ORLANDO, Fla. – SunRail is looking at expanding service to weekends, but exactly how much would it cost to make that happen?
On Thursday, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission listened to SunRail’s chief operations officer as he presented them information on everything from operations to maintenance to staffing requirements.
The estimated total cost of operations to run trains on Saturdays and Sundays would be $26,265,000 each year. On top of that, staff said the weekend service would require an entirely new crew and extra equipment.
“It is not without a significant dollar amount and a significant capital investment. So, we have to weigh all of those all of those things,” Chair Amy Lockhart told our News 6 crew Thursday afternoon.
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Thursday’s presentation was a result of a previous request the Board made to SunRail staff asking them what it would take to offer weekend service.
SunRail would need three more locomotives and cab cars, a $61,800,000 investment, to run on weekends. There are cheaper options if they choose to lease equipment, but that would lead to recurring costs each year.
Staff also presented an option to only run the service on Saturdays, which would save about $3.5 million a year in operating costs.
Commissioners wanted to know the cost per rider and ultimately, if the demand would justify that cost. SunRail has previously offered a special service on weekends or for events, like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match at Camping World Stadium. Trains transported nearly 5,000 people on July 4 to that event and the"‘Fireworks at the Fountain” at Lake Eola Park.
SunRail Chief Operations Officer Charles M Heffinger Jr. told commissioners Thursday that anywhere from 4,600 to 9,500 riders could use the service in a weekend.
“When I’m riding the trains or talking to folks, they believe that the train would be much more useful for them to be able to ride on the weekends,” said Lockhart. ‘They want to be able to take the train on the weekends with their family, to enjoy other parts of the region. So, we have a lot of opportunities to ride now, but I think right now folks are really focused on the fact that they want to be able to ride on weekends. Of course, everything comes with a cost."
Lockhart brought up the investment into the Sunshine Corridor, the planned connection of SunRail to the airport in Orlando and attractions areas, as a significant reason why the Commission should continue to explore their options.
“Running SunRail nights and weekends will be absolutely essential to run the Sunshine Corridor to the airport and to the attractions,” Lockhart said. “The timing of that is what remains in question, but it certainly is a necessity.”
Commissioners decided Thursday that another work session will be needed in the future.
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