Type Regional rail Locale Central Florida Character At-grade | Status Proposed Termini Eustis, FL
Orlando, FL Line length 36 mi (58 km) | |
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The Orange Blossom Express is a proposed 36 mile commuter rail system in the Central Florida (Orlando) area. It would connect Eustis, Tavares, Mount Dora, Apopka, and downtown Orlando. In Orlando, connections would be available to both Amtrak and SunRail trains.
The line is currently owned by Florida Central Railroad, who transports freight along the line.
History
Local support for the Express hinged on the approval of the SunRail project, which was approved by the state Senate in December 2009. The system was projected to cost $55 million in 2009. In Early 2012, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was working on starting a $1.7 million study of the train. The study would look into potential ridership and expenses of the train including the cost of building stations and rolling stock. FDOT was expected to award a contract to perform the study in spring 2012, with it being expected to take two years to complete the study. In February, Orlando City Council agreed to pay $106,000 to the state to help pay for the Study. This is in addition to contributions from other governments including Lake County, Orange County, Eustis, Tavares, Mount Dora and Apopka.