ORLANDO, Fla. – A coalition of International Drive businesses is joining with Universal Orlando to create a SunRail route between Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.
The Orlando Right Rail coalition and Universal Orlando announced the plans Thursday to help fund and maintain the construction of a SunRail station at the Orange County Convention Center and create a commuter line between the airport and the OCCC in what is called the Sunshine Corridor Program.
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The corridor also provides a connection for travelers to the Brightline station at the airport, which is due to open in 2023. That station will connect Orlando with South Florida via the privately-run Brightline rail line, with a rail line to Tampa also planned for the future.
Universal Orlando is pledging 13 acres of land for the project, which will create the Shingle Creek Transit Utility Community Development District.
The resort company also said it will support the operation and maintain the station so that it doesn’t cost Orange County taxpayers, and support the financing of bonds to fund the project so the district can get more favorable terms.
Orlando Right Rail said a SunRail station at the convention center would help more than double SunRail’s annual ridership and revenue.
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