b'18 MCO PASSENGER TRANSPORTNew Rail Service Enhances MultimodalConnectivity at Orlando Intl BY JODI RICHARDSFACTS&FIGURESLast September, a long-timetransit system. Throughout the ensuing regional transportation planyears, MCO leadership and the Florida Project: Train Station/Multimodal Facilitybecame reality when Orlando andDepartment of Transportation analyzed Location: Orlando Intl Airport, in FL Miami were connected with high-speed railvarious iterations of what a rail connection Purpose: Enhancing statewide connectivityservice. The new route provides an attractivemight look like both for the airport and Recent Addition: High-speed passenger train servicenew option for airline travelers throughoutthe state. It wasnt until 2010 that the between Orlando & Miami the state, and Orlando International (MCO)concept we have today really got fleshed Key Asset: Multimodal facility adjacent to Terminal C staked its claim as the first U.S. airport without, explains Thibault. Size: 1.3 million sq. ft. high-speed intercity passenger rail serviceIn June 2012, a memorandum of adjacent to the terminal.understanding was created to officially Stations For: Terminal Link airport people mover; Brightline intercity rail; ground transportation optionsThe Greaterdefine the potential rail corridor, airport (taxis, shuttle services, public buses, etc.); future SunRailOrlando Aviationstation, an associated maintenance facility, commuter railAuthority is committedand the roles/responsibilities of major Cost: $200 million to being a globalstakeholders. Outlining the infrastructure Funding: 75% Florida Dept. of Transportation; 25% airport leader in the evolutionrequired to bring a train line into the airport Constructed: 2015-2017 of mobility, says Chiefwas a key aspect. For example, roadways Executive Officerneeded to be moved and a series of BRIGHTLINE STATION Kevin Thibault. TheKEVIN THIBAULT bridges had to be built. In addition, a city-Size: 3 stories, with 72,000-square-foot platform &airport has alwaysowned wastewater treatment facility was 37,350-square-foot interior space envisioned to be the mobile hub. Thelocated near the site identified for the train introduction of Brightline service at MCOmaintenance facility. The memorandum Features: 4 self-service check-in counters; securityaffirms that vision.encouraged close coordination among all screening area; large skylight; information booth & ambassadors to assist customers A regional rail connection was longparties to prevent potential conflict.Construction: Jan. 2022-April 2023 considered to be a crucial componentGiven the complexity of the project, its Designer/Architect: Bigtime Design Studios for the central Florida airport but was notno wonder MCOs rail connection took Architect of Record: Sonny Fornoles of Borrellil +written into guiding documents until aboutdecades to materialize. Thibault urges Partner 1977. At that point, it was describedother airport leaders not to give up on Construction: Gomez Constructionas a possible future fixed-track masssimilar efforts. We persevered, he notes. July | August 2024AirportImprovement.com'