Rail

Just as I-4 serves as the backbone to our region’s roadway network, a regional rail system will anchor an efficient and effective transit system that includes bus rapid transit and fixed route bus service.  

There are three main types of rail systems:  commuter rail, light rail and high speed rail. 

Commuter Rail
Commuter rail transit uses existing railroad tracks to connect outlying regions to a centralized city over long distances and operate only during peak commuter times (morning and evening rush hours).  The North/South Commuter Rail, championed by Congressman John Mica, would connect DeBary, Orlando and Poinciana.

Click here to visit the official Commuter Rail Web site.

Light Rail
Light rail is designed for short-to-medium commutes and is powered by overhead wires.  It typically links a downtown area and offers service generally every 5 to 10 minutes.  A proposed light rail study is underway that would connect Altamonte Springs and southern Orange County.

High Speed Rail
High speed rail travels at high speeds over large distances, usually hundreds of miles.  In 2000, Floridians voted to develop a high speed rail system between Florida's five major cities (Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami).  However, in 2004, Floridians voted to repeal the amendment.  For more information, click here to visit the Florida High Speed Rail Web site.

Click here for more detailed information on the types of rail.