Facts and figures

Locomotive pulls rail cars for SunRail, metro Orlando's new commuter line, which opened May 1.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Locomotive pulls rail cars for SunRail, metro Orlando's new commuter line, which opened May 1.

What is SunRail?

  • SunRail is metro Orlando's first fixed-rail commuter mass transit operation. It opened May 1. It is overseen by the Florida Department of Transportation.
  • Phase 1 is 32 miles long and features 12 stations. It connects DeBary, north of Orlando, with Sand Lake Road, on the south side near Orlando International Airport. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin construction in late 2015. It will extend the line north to DeLand and south into Poinciana.
  • The cost for phases 1 and 2 — 17 stations stretching 60 miles — is approximately $615 million. Of that, the federal government is expected to pay 50 percent. The state will pay 25 percent, and local governments in four counties the remaining 25 percent. State and local dollars are already in place, unanimously approved by Orange, Volusia, Osceola and Seminole Counties, as well as the City of Orlando.
  • SunRail's primary purpose is to get people from home to work, and back home again, while providing an alternative to driving. Its peak operating hours are 5:30 – 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. During those times, trains will run every half hour. During off peak, trains will run every two hours.
  • The system aims to attract many of its riders from I-4, which has served as Central Florida's main transportation highway since opening in 1965, six years before Disney World debuted. SunRail does not go to Disney World.
  • I-4 has grown increasingly clogged and is about to undergo a $2.1 billion makeover through downtown. The construction will add four toll lanes down the middle of the highway. Construction could start late this year and last until 2021.
  • SunRail's base fare is $2.00 with a $1.00 zone charge for each county line crossed. For example, a trip from DeBary to downtown Orlando will cost $4.00 one way, since it will include crossing from Volusia into Seminole and then Orange counties. Daily commuters can take advantage of frequent-rider discounts through weekly, monthly or annual passes. The monthly pass for a DeBary to Orlando commute is $112.
  • The DeBary to Orlando trip takes about 45 minutes. Each train is comprised of a locomotive and two passenger cars with the capacity to carry up to 300 passengers seated.
  • Seven of the first 12 SunRail stations feature free parking. Bicyclists can take their bikes on the train with them or secure them to a bike rack at the station.
  • SunRail expects to carry an average of 4,300 passengers daily.

Source: Associated Press, SunRail, Orlando Sentinel