Enhancing Central Florida’s Transit Network through the Sunshine Corridor Program
Stakeholder Management
Coordinated with stakeholders—including the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), SunRail, and the Federal Transit Administration—to form consensus on design elements and desired impacts
Connectivity
Led a transit study for this commuter rail network expansion that is set to increase opportunities and access for people living and working in Orlando and visiting its popular tourist areas
Data-Driven Design
Analyzed data from previous environmental studies, local projects, and rail alignment concepts to create an implementable design that provides benefits for the community and project stakeholders
Before an anticipated expansion of a Central Florida commuter rail network, Kimley-Horn investigated the unique mobility and economic needs of the growing region. The Sunshine Corridor passenger rail program was created to accommodate present and future mobility demands and modernize travel experiences for more than 120,000 commuting workers.
Laying the Groundwork for a Visionary Rail Program
The Sunshine Corridor program proposes to expand the SunRail commuter rail line—currently comprised of 16 stations through Volusia County, Osceola County, and Downtown Orlando—to connect to vital locations driving Central Florida’s economy. These locations include high traffic tourism areas, such as the Orlando International Airport (OIA), the Orange County Convention Center, and the International Drive resort areas.
Kimley-Horn led the transit feasibility study for this part of the Sunshine Corridor program and provided support for the planned 11-mile SunRail commuter rail expansion. The ongoing program management services we have provided include the following:
- Conceptual roadway and rail design
- Conceptual passenger station design
- National Environmental Policy Act document evaluation
- Financial analysis
- Conceptual cost estimates
- Ridership forecasts
- Rail service planning
- Policy and stakeholder management support
Balancing Stakeholders, Finances, and Project Phases
The Sunshine Corridor program integrates the perspectives and goals of multiple stakeholders, including FDOT, jurisdiction partners sponsoring SunRail, Brightline, Orlando’s Right Rail, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration. For the transit feasibility study, Kimley-Horn built upon previous FDOT environmental studies and alignment concepts. In cooperation with local resorts and public sector project partners, our team technically evaluated alignment options for the development of a feasible east-west rail alternative. Additionally, we leveraged project investment data and insights from OIA’s Terminal C expansion project and SunRail’s Central Florida Rail Corridor to OIA project as part of the conceptual design.
In 2024, the project team finalized the Transit Concept Alternatives Review, a process that evaluated multiple aspects of the Sunshine Corridor’s proposed impacts prior to design. The program is now progressing to the next phase through a Project Development and Environmental study to establish a Central Florida mobility option that enhances east-west connectivity—strengthening the local economy and streamlining commuter and regional tourism travel.
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