Leaders betting lots on upcoming SunRail launch | Tallahassee Democrat | tallahassee.com

Central Florida is about to get something akin to Tri-Rail, this time to help ease traffic congestion along the heavily used I-4 corridor. Future phases will be limited until additional federal funding is assured, but the first phase will be rolling out soon. Click title for link. From the article:

Currently, tens of thousands of commuters and tourists cram a few main highways and roads in the popular, fast-growing area. The first phase — 12 stations from Debary in Volusia County through downtown Orlando to Sand Lake Road in Orange County — will be the ultimate viability test case for an area that has never had this kind of transportation alternative before. And with promised federal money for the second phase suspended in Washington budget limbo, the success or failure of SunRail’s initial stage will garner an even brighter spotlight.
“This is a dramatic evolution step for central Florida. It’s the first time we’re building a fixed transit system — a regional one — with the ability of being able to connect into high-speed (rail),” said U.S. Rep. John Mica, a Republican from Winter Park and a member of the House Transportation Committee.