High Speed Rail Location Approved

With the renewed push and importance placed on high speed rail here in Florida, Orlando International Airport's Board continued to stay one step ahead of the idea by approving a designated area for trains at Orlando International Airport at its March meeting.

The Authority has been positioned for the introduction of rail for quite some time. Following long term plans and a vision for rail at the airport since the late 70's, the Authority had defined and reserved rail corridors in its master plans throughout the 80's and 90's and has already invested in infrastructure in order to accommodate future rail systems.

The introduction of rail at Orlando International will provide extraordinary intermodal access for both the region and state with seamless connections to all forms of ground and air transportation. This is particularly important as MCO has more non-stop domestic flights than any other airport in Florida.

The board gave the approval for GOAA staff to continue to work with the Florida Rail Enterprise to respond to additional items requested in order to move the project forward, the items to be considered including airport station location, responsibilities, maintenance facilities and airport scope. The station could eventually accommodate up to four rail systems including the airports train system which will connect the north and south terminals. GOAA staff will return to the board for further approvals of specific agreements relative to rail projects.