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Public commenters urge SunRail airport service trial and more bike‑ped funding
Summary
During TransMAC’s public comment period on Aug. 14, several residents urged the commission to press for a SunRail connection to Orlando International Airport and called on the commission to support continued or increased funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Several members of the public used TransMAC’s Aug. 14 public comment period to press for a SunRail connection to Orlando International Airport and to urge commissioners to protect funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Eugene Staccardo, who identified his address in Orlando, said existing freight and Brightline tracks near the airport present an opportunity to provide a SunRail connection now rather than waiting for longer corridor plans. “The track does exist today,” Staccardo said, adding that there are existing platforms near Sand Lake and spots where a second track or siding could be used. He urged officials to “explore this” and consider limited or staged service to measure potential ridership.
Pedro Rodriguez, another member of the public, made a similar point and suggested SunRail run limited service windows (for example, weekends or select weekday hours) as a pilot to estimate airport ridership using the existing fleet and right‑of‑way.
Mike Bustillos, speaking from downtown Orlando, referenced a recent state letter he said asked counties to identify ‘‘dodge efforts’’ (transcript) and to consider eliminating some funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure; he urged TransMAC to consider increasing county funding for alternative modes, citing pedestrian deaths and the role of induced demand for automobile lanes. “We need more buses and trains. We don't need more highways exclusively,” Bustillos said.
Amber Homburger, a local resident, urged TransMAC to act as a convener — pulling together groups such as Bike Walk Central Florida, SunRail and LYNX — and to host community workshops and education sessions to increase public awareness and ridership.
No formal action followed these public comments; commissioners said they would take the remarks into consideration as staff and the board continue budget and project planning.
Speakers quoted are those who addressed the commission during the public comment period on Aug. 14.
