Weekend SunRail requires fixing the devil in the details

Riders and would-be riders ask us why SunRail doesn’t run on Saturdays and Sundays.

Typically, we respond that SunRail doesn’t have money in its budget for weekend operations.

There is another reason that’s a little more complicated.

The devil is in the details of the joint-operating agreement signed by the state and Central Florida’s local governments – known as the local funding partners (Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Osceola counties).

You can read that agreement by clicking here.

On page 20, under Base Service Standards, subsection B., it reads: “The Commuter Rail System will not provide any train service between midnight and 5 a.m., legal holidays, and Saturdays and Sundays.”

This clause helps to explain why there is no money to help pay for weekend or late-night service.

The SunRail Commission – the local elected officials who represent the funding partners – is expected to update the operating agreement this year.

Hopefully, they will remember to update this clause to create an opportunity for weekend service.

See you on The Rail Monday to Friday.