VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Imagine the worst case scenario when riding the SunRail.
In this case, a suspect left a bag with explosives under a tunnel with the intentions to kill passengers. That was the scenario that played out Wednesday for first responders in Volusia County as part of what they call a “full-scale” emergency exercise.
“This a process that we do for any of the stations that open up. We have 16 stations so far with DeLand station being our 17th,” Matthew Richardson with Florida Department of Transportation District 5 said.
The drill comes as the city prepares for the new SunRail in DeLand set to open this summer on Old New York Avenue. News 6 was at the groundbreaking in 2023.
“We understand that it’s really a great transit opportunity for those who want to come to the area who want to explore more of Central Florida,” Richardson said.
SunRail is also celebrating 10 years in service in Central Florida. While daily ridership numbers have fluctuated over the last several years because of the pandemic, FDOT says the new station is something people have been waiting for with connection to DeBary.
News 6 also spoke about funding operations for SunRail in the future.
According to a Volusia County presentation, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission and local government partners are set to take over funding and operations in 2028.
“With that transition, FDOT’s role will continue to work with our partners continue to be involved with SunRail to make that process as seamless as possible,” Richardson explained.
SunRail has not released official opening date for DeLand station.
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