ORLANDO, Fla. – With ownership of SunRail transitioning from state to local control, another jurisdiction is weighing the operational costs of the commuter rail.
On Thursday, the Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission (TransMAC) will discuss Orange County’s portion of the SunRail bill.
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Last week, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission released the 2025-26 fiscal year cost numbers to the five jurisdictions:
- City of Orlando: $18.7 million
- Orange County: $14.5 million
- Osceola County: $12 million
- Seminole County: $11.6 million
- Volusia County: $6.7 million
During Thursday’s meeting, TransMAC is expected to discuss the possibility of recommending a 1% local sales tax increase on the 2026 ballot to pay for mass transit.
Alex Hunting rides SunRail every week and said he sees a tax increase as a possibility.
“I think it’s unavoidable,” Hunting said. “We’ve got a huge traffic jam problem in Orlando. The only way to combat that is to have a better public transportation system.”
The meeting is also happening as SunRail is exploring the possibility of an expansion to the Orlando International Airport, International Drive and Disney Springs.
Each county or city council must vote on the costs before the next SunRail board meeting on April 24.
Thursday’s TransMAC meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Orange County Administration Building.