ORLANDO, Fla. – In a significant step forward for regional transit, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC) on Thursday, April 24, unanimously approved advancing the proposed Sunshine Corridor to the next phase – a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. This week’s historic decision is a major milestone in SunRail’s ongoing commitment to improving mobility and connectivity across Central Florida by expanding accessible and efficient transportation.
“The unanimous vote to advance the Sunshine Corridor PD&E Study reflects our shared vision to expand passenger rail to serve even more Central Florida residents and visitors in our area,” said CFCRC Chair and Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart. “We’re proud to move forward with broad community and private-sector support to explore the full potential of this project.”
The Sunshine Corridor is a proposed passenger rail transportation program that would accommodate both an expansion of SunRail commuter rail service and Brightline’s intercity passenger rail program in Central Florida. The corridor is proposed to expand existing SunRail service to connect to major destinations including Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, South International Drive, and Disney Springs.
The CFCRC – made up of representatives from SunRail’s partners (Osceola County, Orange County, Seminole County, Volusia County, and the City of Orlando) – requested that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) lead the Sunshine Corridor advancement efforts. FDOT will oversee the PD&E Study, which will explore the project’s feasibility, cost estimates, environmental considerations, funding strategy, and compliance with federal grant requirements. The study is a key step toward entering the Federal Transit Administration’s project development process for federal funding.
“We are excited to start the next phase in the effort to bring the Sunshine Corridor to reality,” said FDOT District Five Secretary and SunRail Chief Executive Officer John E. Tyler, P.E. “This will be another transformational project for our region, and we look forward to working closely with the project’s public and private partners on the PD&E Study.”
For more information on the proposed Sunshine Corridor, visit the project webpage for the Sunshine Corridor Transit Concept & Alternatives Review (TCAR) Study completed in 2024: https://www.cflroads.com/project/451404-1.
Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Public Information Office at FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us or 386-943-5593