Fla. – Today, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission will discuss its final budget under the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as SunRail ownership is set to change by the end of 2027.
Starting next year, the responsibility will shift to the four counties the train passes through, Seminole, Orange, Osceola and Volusia, along with the city of Orlando.
As the final budget meeting under FDOT ownership gets underway, News 6 spoke with SunRail riders about the train system.
“It’s definitely very convenient, and to avoid traffic, it’s good to because I’m all the way in Poinciana,” rider Glenn Stewart said.
“It takes me it takes about an hour to get from my location on the bus, but on the SunRail it’s only 30 minutes,” rider Jaquest said.
While people enjoy it, there are limitations. Right now, the SunRail does not run on the weekends, cannot get you to the airport or any of the attractions in Central Florida.
The proposed “Sunshine Corridor” would connect SunRail to Orlando International Airport, International Drive and Disney Springs, but would cost more than $4 billion dollars.
Meanwhile, routine operating costs will be split among the governments that assume ownership, with each one paying a share based on ridership. Last year, Seminole County approved $11.5 million to cover its portion of transition costs, and Volusia County pledged $1.2 million.
As the ownership handoff looms, riders say they want more frequent service, weekend options and assurances that fares remain affordable.
“Maybe one more [route], right? Because sometimes I like to stay on campus to do extra stuff and there’s a train that goes at nine and then the next one’s like all the way at like [midnight],” Stewart said.
“Just think about like what the everyday person doing on the train they use it for convenience.”
The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission will meet today at 1:30 p.m.