DeLAND, Fla. – Hopeful train hoppers up in DeLand will soon be able to try out SunRail as the affordable passenger rail system plans to open a station next month in Volusia County’s seat.
SunRail’s DeLand station at 2491 Old New York Avenue is set to open on Aug. 12, according to the rail service. Visitors to the station on Saturday even got a free tour.
“We just live down around the corner and so we just wanted to see all of the activities this morning,” Jake Jacobs said.
Jacobs lives in DeLand with his wife, Rachel, and came by to check out the preview event. The couple said they were excited about what the new station could mean for DeLand.
“They’re going to bring a lot to this small town,” Rachel Jacobs said.
While Rachel said she and Jake don’t use SunRail very often, the new station could encourage them to take more trips with the rail service.
“Especially going out toward Kissimmee for the restaurants, Winter Park, and then you have Lake Mary, which I love Lake Mary,” Rachel Jacobs said.
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The DeLand station will serve as SunRail’s northernmost stop, connecting Persimmon Hollow to DeBary, Poinciana, and more than a dozen stations in between along 61 miles of tracks.
“Having the ability for residents to take the train in and work somewhere like Orlando Health or Advent and just get off the train and go to work is huge,” said DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman.
Cloudman said work is also underway to better connect people with downtown DeLand and the train station, too. SunRail suggested passengers from the south take advantage of Volusia County’s VoRide service, offering rideshare transport for a flat rate of $2. Bicycle travel was also encouraged, as bicycles are welcome on SunRail trains.
“The train has always been accessible to bring your bicycle on and bring it with you and when you get to your destination you can go enjoy the surrounding areas and then we have a number of options that will be available once you get here to get into town,” Cloudman said.
The station off Old New York Avenue is about 3 miles from the heart of downtown DeLand. The city is now working with the county and state to put in a mixed-use trail so people can easily walk or ride a bike between the station and downtown.
“Hopefully, this will become a popular destination and we’re looking at alternative means of transportation as well for that last-mile connection,” Cloudman said.
SunRail recently rolled out a more efficient way for riders to purchase tickets. These changes come as SunRail is hoping to expand even further with the Sunshine Corridor, connecting Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs.
“Now that the station is opening, it’ll be time for us to really examine what’s in the future, including possibly the Sunshine Corridor,” said Cindi Lane, public information officer for FDOT District 5.
Learn more about SunRail and purchase tickets starting at $2 — with discounts available for seniors, youth, and passengers with disabilities — by clicking here.
For additional information about the so-called Sunshine Corridor and how it could connect SunRail to Brightline, Orlando International Airport and beyond, click here.
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