A proposed study that could significantly shape the future of Central Florida’s transportation landscape has officially secured full funding. On April 24, the SunRail board voted unanimously to approve a $6 million Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study that will assess the feasibility of the Sunshine Corridor — a potential rail connection linking Orlando International Airport with key tourist destinations, including the Orange County Convention Center and, potentially, Walt Disney World.
The Sunshine Corridor proposal aims to bridge services between SunRail and Brightline, enhancing regional mobility and offering direct connectivity to major attractions and infrastructure hubs across Central Florida. If realized, the corridor could serve as a foundational link not only between the airport and entertainment centers but also as a springboard for future Brightline expansion toward Tampa via Interstate 4.
The newly approved PD&E study will span two years and play a critical role in answering pivotal questions about the corridor’s design, operation, and viability. This includes analyzing potential transfer logistics, estimating construction timelines, refining project costs, and laying the groundwork for federal funding applications.
Funding for the study is being provided through a public-private partnership. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Universal Destinations & Experiences each contributed $2 million, while the City of Orlando, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and the counties of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole each pledged $500,000.
According to FDOT District 5 Secretary John Tyler, the study will be a “foundational step in moving the Sunshine Corridor forward.” It is expected to determine whether additional local investment is warranted and provide a data-driven basis for future planning decisions.
FDOT has already initiated the process of selecting a consultant to lead the study, with a final decision expected by late June. The chosen firm will collaborate closely with Brightline and Universal’s Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District. The study will also involve public engagement, preliminary engineering, and a detailed cost analysis, running through May 2027.
As regional stakeholders continue to align behind the project, the Sunshine Corridor represents a significant step toward a more integrated and accessible transportation network in Central Florida. Depending on the study’s outcomes, additional support and funding could emerge from other parts of the state, potentially broadening the scope and impact of the proposed expansion.