SunRail opens DeLand Station | Public transport

The DeLand SunRail Station in Volusia County, Florida, has opened its doors to the public. The new SunRail commuter rail line connects four counties in Central Florida through 17 stations and more than 61 miles of track.

State officials, rail industry leaders, and civic and community partners along SunRail’s route hosted a grand opening celebration on August 9, featuring SunRail’s traditional bell ringing, confetti cannons, and banners representing each of the three phases of SunRail’s development since the first stations opened in 2014.

The first train departed on August 12 from the new station, the northernmost stop on the SunRail commuter rail system.

“We are proud of how SunRail connects our communities,” said John E. Tyler, PE, District Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). “SunRail serves thousands of commuters each week for work, education and leisure travel. It has attracted new development and economic opportunities near the rail stations and has allowed us to reimagine and reinvent what it means to live and work in Central Florida.”

SunRail operates 40 trains Monday through Friday, connecting communities from DeLand to Poinciana. The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission is a partnership between Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando. It works with FDOT to operate the SunRail system.

“Every train that stops at DeLand Station brings with it the potential for economic growth, more jobs and more prosperity for the people of Volusia County,” said Jeff Brower, Volusia County Executive and Chairman of the SunRail Commission. “It also gives Volusia County residents another way to make their lives less stressful and more convenient. This is another path toward a more connected and economically resilient community.”

The new DeLand station, built adjacent to the existing Amtrak station, extends service from the DeBary station into DeLand, a distance of 12.2 miles. The design of the new station reflects the historic and natural beauty of DeLand and features a unique center platform.

STV was the lead track and structural designer for the commuter rail extension project, which included four miles of double track, communications and electrical engineering, track relocation, construction of a main track, and a complete rehabilitation of the pedestrian tunnel at Lake Beresford Park. The design of the new track and upgrade of the existing track will allow for 60 mph freight speeds and 79 mph passenger speeds for Amtrak and SunRail.

“The opening of SunRail’s newest commuter rail station marks 30 years and reflects STV’s commitment to innovative infrastructure solutions that connect communities,” said Keith Jackson, PE, vice president and Florida area manager for STV. “The final leg of the SunRail vision will be a central hub for commuters, providing a new, efficient way to travel between western Volusia County and commuters to downtown Orlando.”

Fares start at $2, with discounts for seniors, youth and people with disabilities. All trains and stations are fully accessible; parking at the station is free, and trains have onboard restrooms, comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Passengers can purchase tickets through the SunRail Mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play, or from ticket machines on the platforms.

Upon arrival at the new DeLand SunRail Station, passengers have several options for reaching their final destination, including the VoRide rideshare service. Additionally, through a partnership with Votran, the City of DeLand and MainStreet DeLand, SunRail is in the final stages of preparing a free, dedicated shuttle between the station and downtown DeLand attractions. Bicycles are welcome on SunRail trains, and cyclists can easily ride into downtown DeLand and access trails near the DeLand Station.