The Community Paper

Even though Brightline won’t stop in downtown, it still could benefit us


UPDATE: Since the writing of this article, plans have changed and a Disney Springs Stop is no longer in the works. 

With the help of local leaders, Brightline and SunRail recently came to an agreement to share a rail track, called the “Sunshine Corridor,” from Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center and on to Disney Springs. Back in 2018, Brightline was awarded the right to execute right-of-way agreements with FDOT and the Central Florida Expressway Authority to connect OIA and Tampa.

Financing is lining up, with $125 million pledged from International Drive businesses and Universal Orlando, and nearly $16 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program arranged by our congressional delegation. The proposed one-cent sales tax up for a vote in November would have a portion dedicated to mass transit such as SunRail within Orange County.

“Today, we are fully engaged with the Central Florida community to develop the best alignment to connect Orlando and Tampa,” wrote Katie Mitzner, director of public affairs for Brightline. “The Sunshine Corridor is a comprehensive, ambitious transportation solution for Central Florida. It represents the missing link in Brightline’s plan to connect Orlando and Tampa with modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail.”

But one thing missing from the new Brightline route is a stop in downtown Orlando. The higher-speed train currently stops in the downtowns of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach before arriving at OIA’s shiny new intermodal terminal (service may begin in time for the holidays this year).

So, what does this new transportation line mean for downtown Orlando?

Mayor Dyer and other officials have said that with the new east-west route to OIA, SunRail service everywhere would extend to seven days a week and run later into the evenings.

This would greatly benefit downtown, especially during large events at the various sporting and fine arts venues. The need for parking would decrease if more people could count on a train to take them to Magic games, Orlando City soccer matches, Dr. Phillips shows or even just Saturday nights on Church Street.

Access to train services would also allow some commuters and tourists to get off the roads on their way to I-Drive, the airport and Disney, improving vehicular traffic flow for those unable to take mass transit. More bus routes could connect to train stations, improving overall connectivity around the metropolitan area.

As we continue to enhance mass transit, future rail lines such as the proposed Orange Blossom Express to Apopka and beyond, or Bus Rapid Transit lanes along Colonial Drive, could provide additional options for people both living and working in downtown Orlando.

train in a city

A shared Brightline and SunRail route from Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center and Disney Springs would allow SunRail to operate seven days a week and late nights, in addition to providing transportation options to tourists and commuters alike. (DAVID LASSEN, TRAINS.COM)

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