What is commuter rail?

Additional Information

Alignment
• 61-Miles in length along existing CSXT freight tracks
• Phase 1 - DeBary to Sand Lake Road station - 31 miles
• Phase II - Sand Lake Road to Poinciana south of Kissimmee, and north from DeBary to DeLand - 30 miles

Stations
• 12 stations planned for Phase I
• 17 stations proposed at build-out
• At-grade stations with pedestrian connections
• Two intermodal centers at Lynx Central Station in downtown Orlando and in the Sand Lake Road area
• Enhanced bus and other transportation services at station stops
• Station amenities designed with input from local government officials
• 12 park-and-ride lots in outlying areas
• Park-and-ride lots no cost to user
» View Station Details Here

Operating Plan
• 30-minute peak service in each direction from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Two-hour off-peak service in each direction
• Phase I operational in 2013
• Phase II operational in 2015
• Maintenance facilities located in the Sanford area
• Average speed of 45 miles per hour
• Up to 3-car train set, plus a locomotive

Amenities
• Rest room facilities on all trains
• Power outlets to all seats
• Luggage and bicycle racks
• Wireless Internet connectivity
• Capacity for about 162 seated passengers per car on double-decker trains

Commuter rail transit (CRT) uses steel-wheeled technology similar to a traditional train and is generally powered by a diesel locomotive. Existing CSXT railroad tracks will be utilized for SunRail's planned route. SunRail trains will consist of 1-3 cars, in addition to a locomotive, and can carry up to 162 passengers per car. Maximum operating speed is generally between 65-79 mph.

What It Is Used For
Since Commuter Rail uses existing rail lines, it cannot mix with commuter or bus traffic. Because of this, commuter rail is usually used to connect outlying regions to centralized cities over longer distances (typical travel times can be 45 minutes or longer). Riders need to follow a schedule because CRT provides long-haul, limited-hour service. That is, it primarily operates during "peak" commuter times - i.e. morning and evening rush hours - to shuttle folks to a downtown or employment center area and then back home.

Local Picture
SunRail proposes to use existing railroad tracks as its main artery. This route would consist of 61 miles of service to DeLand, through Orlando and downtown Kissimmee to Poinciana. Phase 1 is 31-miles and will connect DeBary to Sand Lake Road in Orange County. The corridor will provide a higher speed transportation option for commuters traveling from as far as Daytona Beach on the northern end and from Polk County on the southern end. The train would provide at least five trips during "peak" morning (5:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.) and afternoon (3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) rush hours. It would operate on a 30-minute frequency during those peak hours and a two-hour frequency during non-peak hours.

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