Special Legislative Session Ushers in Florida's Future Transportation System - Including SunRail

12/8/2009

Legislature approves provisions necessary to finalize Central Floridas first commuter rail project, a critical component of METROPLAN ORLANDOs 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, as part of broad statewide passenger rail legislation.

Following favorable votes in the Florida House and the Florida Senate, a three-year effort to secure insurance and liability provisions for SunRail, Central Floridas first passenger rail system, is nearly complete. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Charlie Crist.

"This is a victory for Central Florida and the entire state," said METROPLAN ORLANDO Chairman and Osceola County Commissioner John Quinones. "This project lays the groundwork for commuter rail systems in other Florida cities and will change the face of our community for the better."

SunRail, a 61.5 commuter rail project, is the centerpiece of METROPLAN ORLANDOs 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan and considered the first piece of a regional passenger rail system. The METROPLAN ORLANDO Board has already identified the next rail transit project for Central Florida as an east-west passenger rail line from the International Drive/Orange County Convention Center east to the area known generally as Innovation Way/Lake Nona. The transit line will serve several key activity centers in the region, including the Sand Lake Road SunRail station and the Orlando International Airport. Additionally, the board is advancing a study to identify a potential streetcar projects to provide feeder connections to SunRail.

SunRail will run through the heart of Central Florida from Volusia County to Osceola County. The system will offer a transportation alternative for commuters starting in 2012, which coincides with a massive I-4 reconstruction project expected to start around the same time. The project is part of Floridas statewide rail plan and is being funded by federal, state, and local transportation dollars.

"The sheer magnitude of community and statewide support is what made this project a reality," said Harry Barley, executive director of METROPLAN ORLANDO. "From learning more about the project to contacting elected officials and even traveling to Tallahassee, Central Floridians have provided the horsepower to change the way we travel in the future."

METROPLAN ORLANDO is the metropolitan transportation planning organization for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. METROPLAN ORLANDO provides the forum for local elected officials and transportation experts to work together to improve transportation for Central Florida residents, businesses and visitors.

For more information contact:

Kelley Teague
407-758-2592
pr@metroplanorlando.com

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