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Central Florida Evaluates Weekend Expansion for SunRail Service

A conceptual view of SunRail service operations in Central Florida, showcasing potential weekend expansion.

News Summary

Central Florida is considering expanding SunRail service to weekends, which could cost over $26 million annually. This proposal comes in light of increased demand for weekend travel. The required investment, estimated at $61.8 million, includes purchasing additional locomotives. Local officials are analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this expansion and exploring alternative funding sources, such as a sales tax referendum, while aiming to balance service improvement with financial constraints.

Orlando – Central Florida is assessing the financial implications of expanding SunRail’s service to weekends, a proposed change that could cost over $26 million annually. The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission recently reviewed a staff report detailing the costs associated with this request, driven by an increasing demand for weekend travel among passengers.

Implementing weekend service would require an investment of approximately $61.8 million for the purchase of three additional locomotives and cab cars, vital for handling the increased operations. Currently, SunRail operates Monday through Friday, serving a 61-mile route from Poinciana to DeLand. Average ridership on weekends ranges from 4,600 to 9,500 trips, contributing to an overall average daily ridership of 5,184, representing a 13% increase from the previous year.

As officials deliberate on expanding weekend operations, they are considering a cost-to-benefit analysis amid rising operating expenses. Luis Nieves-Ruiz, chair of SunRail’s customer advisory committee, indicated that public education is needed to address the financial aspects of increasing rail services. Local governments — including Volusia, Seminole, Osceola, Orange, and Orlando — currently support SunRail’s operational costs based on passenger trips and track length.

While full weekend service is poised to cost around $26.3 million annually, a more cost-effective approach could involve running services solely on Saturdays, which would average $22.7 million per year. This option would yield approximately $3.6 million in savings compared to operating on both Saturday and Sunday. However, regardless of whether weekend service is fully implemented, additional staffing would be necessary to support any new service. Further, the operational costs would primarily be borne by local communities, although some federal support is anticipated.

Possible alternatives to manage costs have been suggested, including leasing locomotives instead of purchasing them outright, which could significantly reduce the initial investment. Leasing costs are projected at about $3 million annually, compared to a $15 million purchase price for each locomotive. The need for more locomotives has arisen primarily for maintenance purposes to ensure compliance with federal transit regulations.

Additionally, as part of strategic planning, a proposed Sunshine Corridor aims to extend SunRail service from Orlando International Airport to various major attractions. This expansion would significantly depend on the availability of weekend service to be viable. Currently, those occasional weekend services on special events are funded by private entities.

Though SunRail’s ticketing ranges from $2 to $5, it has been reported that current ticket sales do not sufficiently cover the operational costs. The income generated contributes minimally to expenses such as ticket machines and personnel. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has put forth the idea of evaluating a sales tax referendum as a potential funding source for enhancing rail services and covering the costs of expanded operations.

The Commission’s next steps involve holding a workshop to further discuss the feasibility and implications of any proposed weekend service enhancements. As discussions progress, the Commission remains focused on balancing the demand for improved service with the financial realities of operating an expanded rail system in Central Florida.