Florida's push of SunRail to DeLand means state keeps commuter rail for 3 more years

In a major break for Central Florida taxpayers, a state transportation leader said Thursday his agency will continue to cover costly operations of SunRail commuter rail for nearly three more years during construction of a $44 million extension to DeLand.

The Florida Department of Transportation announcement during a meeting of local mayors and commissioners appeared to resolve a pair of thorny and longstanding challenges for the nearly seven-year-old SunRail system, which has struggled to gain popularity with riders.

Whether or not to complete a 12-mile gap between DeBary and DeLand in Volusia County has triggered backlash from that county’s leaders, who have insisted in recent years it would be too costly and not useful for residents. ............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/21209019/fl-floridas-push-of-sunrail-to-deland-means-state-keeps-commuter-rail-for-3-more-years