Press release
SunRail got out of the gates and onto the tracks today with the start of free service for the first 12 days of operation.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, it was a busy day and passenger loads exceeded expectations. Trains were full for the morning commute and arrived on schedule.
The first day of free service also saw some commuters riding for leisure/day trips – from DeBary to Sand Lake Road and back again, which created crowding on the off-peak trains in the latter morning and early afternoon hours. As some trains were filled to capacity, this made for delays and passengers waiting on platforms.
Some passengers were evidentially unaware of published schedule times showing that off-peak could be as long as two hours between trains at the stations, FDOT said. However, train times and passenger loads began to improve once the afternoon, half-hour peak service began.
It’s believed capacity matters and longer wait times were due to the novelty of the first day, and because the service is free.
Prospective riders are being urged to check schedules and make certain they understand the difference peak and off-peak times.
For train schedules go HERE.
