Central Florida’s residents and tourists need a full set of transportation options to successfully move around the region, and transit plays an important part. MetroPlan Orlando, as the region’s metropolitan planning organization, supports numerous transit activities in Central Florida and across the state.
Transit – also called public transportation – has many benefits whether you ride or not. Riders can enjoy the opportunity to avoid the stress of driving, save money, and increase physical activity, among other things. Non-riders or people who only use transit occasionally can appreciate the fewer numbers of cars on the road. Everyone benefits from the improved air quality that sharing the ride brings. Transit fits well with MetroPlan Orlando’s Health & Transportation initiatives and with our air-quality and other environmental goals. It can help cut emissions, streamline traffic and encourage physical activity. fits well with MetroPlan Orlando’s Health & Transportation initiatives and with our air-quality and other environmental goals.
LYNX Bus Service
LYNX is Central Florida’s regional transit authority. Serving the same planning area as MetroPlan Orlando, the agencies coordinate on several issues, including planning, funding, and transportation disadvantaged needs.
LYNX offers multiple services including:
• Local Bus Service
• FastLink – Express service along specific corridors
• NeighborLink – Flexible, on-demand service in less-populated areas
• ACCESS LYNX – door-to-door service for people who are not able to use regular fixed route service due to a disability or other limitations
• LYMMO – Bus Rapid Transit service in downtown Orlando
• Vanpool – shared van between people with a similar commute and travel patterns
More information about regional bus service is available at the LYNX website.
Current Areas for LYNX and MetroPlan Orlando coordination include:
- SR 436 Bus Rapid Transit study – A rapid transit and Complete Streets solution connecting the Altamonte Springs SunRail station and Orlando International Airport
- Access LYNX service, which is evaluated by the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board
- Transit Asset Management – A federal rule that calls for transit agencies to keep capital assets in good repair
- Transit Development Plan – A 10-year needs-based evaluation required by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to qualify for state funding.
- Review and monitoring of the region’s Surface Transportation Program funds allocated to LYNX
sunrail: commuter rail service
In 2014, regional passenger rail service in Central Florida became a reality. SunRail now operates for 49 miles between DeBary in Volusia County and the Poinciana area in Osceola County. The Phase 2 Northern Expansion to DeLand is expected to open by summer 2024. Several thousand people use SunRail each day. Check out Monday-Friday schedules at the SunRail website.
Why doesn’t SunRail run more frequently and have holiday and weekend service?
SunRail currently runs Monday through Friday with trains scheduled at every half-hour in the morning and the evening and less frequently during midday. The train does not operate on holidays or weekends. The reason SunRail does not run on these days or more frequently has to do with funding. The cost to operate and maintain SunRail on these days and times is greater than what is currently allocated.
Transit-Oriented Development and SunRail Riders Research
SunRail has ushered in an evolution to more transit-supportive land uses near key transit hubs. Its 16 stops are located in exurban, suburban, and downtown areas. Read about the work MetroPlan Orlando did with Florida State University on Transit-Oriented Development and SunRail.
SunRail TOD Report FINAL 11-18
Other current areas for SunRail and MetroPlan Orlando coordination include:
- SunRail Technical Advisory Committee – A forum where MetroPlan Orlando, along with representatives from local governments, serve as a conduit between SunRail and local governments along the SunRail route
- Transit Asset Management – A federal rule that calls for transit agencies to keep capital assets in good repair
Other Providers
Brightline
Brightline is high-speed rail that currently operates in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The privately run intercity rail will connect to Orlando at the new South Terminal in the Orlando International Airport (MCO) as a part of the Phase 2 expansion to Central Florida. This connection is set to open to customers in Spring 2023. Plans for the Tampa extension are currently under way.
For more information about Brightline, visit their website.
I-RIDE Trolley
Operating along International Drive, the I-RIDE Trolley provides daily service from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm. The Trolley has two lines, the red line and the green line, and makes stops at key destinations such as the Orlando Premium Outlets, Icon Park, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove.
For ticketing, maps, and more, visit the I-RIDE Trolley webpage.
Sanford Trolley
The City of Sanford’s Community Redevelopment Agency provides a free downtown trolley service. The Sanford Trolley travels from the Sanford SunRail Station to downtown Sanford with connections to the Information Center, the Sanford Museum, and the County Services Building. The Sanford Trolley operates Monday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
For the map and schedule, visit the Sanford Trolley’s webpage.
Beep – Move Nona
Beep is an all-electric, autonomous shuttle service that operates within a 17-square-mile development in Lake Nona. The alternative mobility network connects residential, commercial, retail, recreational, and medical services. The Move Nona service is currently the largest and longest autonomous vehicle network in North America. The Beep network in Lake Nona consists of five routes and eight shuttles connecting nearly ten key destinations within the community.
Check out Beep’s website for more information.
