2. 2
Preface and Acknowledegements
SunRail, a commuter rail system designed to connect center cities to suburbs, is sched-
uled to begin service in the Orlando area in Fall 2014. Getting the SunRail system built and
operating is a major task that has required a collaboration of city, state and federal agencies.
Now is the time to plan locally to prepare for the arrival of SunRail. This report focuses on the
opportunities that need to be addressed to prepare for SunRail. In addition, the report identifies
the stakeholders best poised to take advantage of the opportunities to make SunRail successful
for the community.
This report was produced by the students in the Politics of Place class of the Masters of
Planning and Civic Urbanism program at Rollins College. Professor Richard Foglesong provided
the class with thoughtful insight and guidance.
Jose Carlos Ayala Gene Moore
Michael Boynton Linda Puritz
Anthony Brunitti Jared Schneider
Sarah Elbadri Scott Tess
Jeffery Karsch Heather Tribou
Thank you to the following community members who gave up their time to speak with us.
Harry Barley Executive Director of MetroPlan Orlando
Ken Bradley Mayor of Winter Park
Patrick Chapin President/CEO Winter Park Chamber of Commerce
Marianne Gurnee SunRail Public Liaison
Jill Hamilton Healthy Central Florida
Lisa Portelli Winter Park Health Foundation
Tony Walter LYNX Director of Planning and Development
Brian Wettstein Past President of Park Avenue Area Association
MikeWilson Smart Growth Planner at Metroplan Orlando
3. 3
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................5
Lessons Learned...............................................................9
Connectivity..................................................................15
Commuter Assistance Programs...........................................31
Public Education............................................................ 37
Safety...........................................................................43
Stakeholders..................................................................47
Conclusion & Next Steps...................................................53
Table Summary................................................................55
4. 4
Proposed Winter Park SunRail Station- North Elevation by ACi
Proposed Winter Park SunRail Station- West Elevation by ACi
5. 5
Introduction
SunRail is a commuter rail system described as the spine of a larger mass transit
system in Central Florida. It is designed to connect the city center to the suburbs, and
is scheduled to begin service in Fall 2014. Getting SunRail built and operational is a
major task that has required cooperation on local, state and federal levels. However,
once the system is built, there are still many issues that need to be addressed to
ensure its viability and success. This report focuses on these tasks, and identifies the
key stakeholders who are best poised to lead this cause.
The Winter Park SunRail station is part of the phase-one build out within a 125
year-old city that has grown up around its historic station. Winter Park occupies an
interesting position of leadership. Its transit-oriented development is one of the most
pedestrian-friendly environments in Central Florida. Yet, as this white paper stresses, the
city also has a responsibility to continue its leadership as a transit-oriented community.
Based on a review of select rail systems implemented in the last decade, and interviews
with local experts and community scholars, this document is a call to action.
7. 7
History
www.cityofwinterpark.org
h�p://www.wppl.org/wphistory
Rail transportation played an important role in developing the City of Winter Park and Central
Florida. The first building erected in the town of Winter Park was the train depot, dedicated by a
picnic celebration on March 18, 1882.The notable features of Winter Park, such as it brick roads,
Park Avenue, museums, Rollins College, and vernacular architecture homes, were created through
the planned development of private investors, like Francis B. Knowles, Mr.Wilson Phelps, Charles
H. Morse, Colonel Franklin Fairbanks, William Charles Comstock, Oliver Everett Chapman, and
Loring Augusta Chase. The railroad and yearlong warmer climate brought wealthy Northern
investors into Winter Park, connecting it regionally.
Commuter rail existed in Winter Park back in March 1889 when the Orlando-Winter
Park Railroad laid tracks six miles between the two cities. This route, known as “the Dinky Line,”
connected students in Orlando to their courses at Rollins College along a 30 minute route. This
line ran for decades until automobile use replaced the train. Rail tracks were eventually removed
in 1969.
h�p://www.wppl.org/wphistory/HulbertCollec�on.html
8. 8
Austin Capital MetroRail h�p://www.flickr.com/photos
Username: xfile001
Salt Lake Central Station h�p://www.flickr.com/photos
Username: chief_huddleston
9. 9
Lessons Learned from Other Rail Systems
UTA Trax h�p://www.flickr.com/photos
Username: vxla
To benefit from lessons learned in other cities, it is helpful to review rail passenger
systems built in the U.S. in the past decade or so, namely those in Salt Lake City,
Charlotte, Minneapolis, Nashville, Austin and Phoenix. Where relevant, notes
regarding other rail systems are included.
Basic Facts301
Daily
# of # of Open
City Name Transit Type Ridership Miles
Lines Sta�ons Year
2012 Q1
Salt Lake
UTA TRAX Light Rail 3 41 57200 1999 35.3
City
Salt Lake Commuter
UTA FrontRunner 1 7 5600 2008 44
City Rail
Lynx Rapid Transit
Charlo�e Light Rail 1 15 15000 2007 9.6
Services
Commuter
Minneapolis
Northstar Rail 1 6 2100 2009 40
Commuter
Nashville
Music City Star Rail 1 6 1100 2006 32
Commuter
Aus�n
Capital MetroRail Rail 1 9 1600 2010 32
Phoenix Metro Light Rail Light Rail 1 32 44000 2008 20
10. 10 Lessons Learned
Transportation Authority must Offer Amenities for bicyclists: Many
adapt to the demands of voters stations feature bike lockers while all trains
without losing the long-term and buses offer bike racks.306 Although we may
consider the Florida weather a deterrent to
vision for a rail system: In Austin,
biking, the Salt Lake City winter is an equal
when Capital Metrorail first appeared on
deterrent. Perhaps the bicyclists only come
the ballot in 2000, its $1.9 billion proposal
out during the “better weather” season, but
was too grandiose and complex for Austin’s
during that time, you want them on your
suburban voters to pass the referendum.
buses and trains.
Capital Metro reevaluated the 2000 proposal
and appropriately reintroduced a scaled-
back version in 2004 to meet the demands Offer Amenities for riders: In Austin,
of voters to ensure Austin had a rail system free Wi-Fi is available on rail cars.307
instead of losing it all. Since Capital Metro
changed the plans and price tag to meet the Attract Choice Riders: According to
demands of both urban and suburban voters, the Texas Transportation Institute, the key to
the 2004 referendum passed.302 mass transit reducing congestion is to attract
choice riders (those who would otherwise
Sharing freight lines can choose to drive). A DART (Dallas Area Rapid
Transit) 2004 study showed that 82% of its
negatively impact ridership: In
rail riders were riders of choice, while 59% of
Salt Lake City, the final 6 miles of commuter
its bus riders were riders of choice.308 A study
rail track (from Odgen to Pleasant View) is
by CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System)
shared with the Utah Transit Authority and
indicated that 72% of Lynx (rail) riders did
Union Pacific Railroad. Due to sharing,
not use public transportation prior to its
very limited commuter rail service was
completion.309
offered. In September 2011, service ended
with authorities citing low ridership.303
Fares must be affordable and cost
Connectivity is Key: Many cities, less than driving: In Austin, fares
such as Minneapolis, have an intricately were recently reduced. In some eyewitness
connected bus-rail system.304 In Santa Clara, accounts of Nashville’s rail system, the cost to
CA, the Valley Transit Authority offers free ride may exceed the cost of driving, which no
shuttle buses from select light rail stations to doubt contributes to the ridership struggle in
employment centers.305 that city.310 And while this Nashville account
doesn’t factor in car ownership expenses, the
11. Lessons Learned 11
limitations of a starter commuter rail system in Cincinnati, only 20% of daily trips are for
would not motivate most car owners to sell commuting.316 It might be a boost to ridership
their vehicles. to find ways to add hours to provide service
for some of those other trips.
Connect to where people are
and where they want to be: In Find companies and organizations
Minneapolis, commuter rail connects to that have a vested interest in
the University of Minneapolis. The result areas around transit stations to
in 2011 was a ridership of 20,000 students construct TOD’s: In Salt Lake City, the
who took 2.8 million rides.311 There is Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) developed
also a commuter stop in Minneapolis for a $1.5 billion TOD called City Creek Center,
Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, which features 20 acres of retail, residential
which enables ridership to and from games, and an office space. It opened in March and
concerts and other special events. In Salt has already become a destination light-rail
Lake City Rail transit connects to the stop for employees who work outside of the
University of Utah and Rice-Eccles stadium development. City Creek Center is located
(site of the 2002 Winter Olympics).312 adjacent to the Temple Square, which is an 11-
block area featuring the Church’s headquarters
Extend hours that will work and significant religious buildings. While
with people’s needs (and wants): other TOD’s stalled due to economic factors
In Austin, within a year of operation, Capital (real estate market, recession), City Creek
Metro listened to the demands of riders by Center had strong financial backing enabling it
increasing the number of scheduled stops to be completed.317
during peak hours, extending the hours
of operation and adding services during Offer Demo Days to show people
the weekend and for special events.313 In
how comfortable and easy it is to
Charlotte, light rail already had weekend
ride rail: Charlotte offered two days of
hours but has just extended them to 1:30
free rides on its light rail system, and featured
AM on Friday and Saturday nights.314 a staggering 60,000 riders in their first day.318
Minneapolis runs its trains during prime Salt Lake City hosted 30,000 riders on its
times (morning and evening), as well as commuter rail system over two days. Both
regular weekend service (three round trips of these rail systems have exceeded projected
per day) and additional service for special ridership.319
events.315 According to an article on rail
12. 12 Lessons Learned
Address parking challenges at stations: A Study by DART (Dallas Area
Rapid Transit), cited by the Texas Transportation Institute, concluded that adequate
station parking was essential for ridership growth.320 In New Haven, CT, government
agencies make many efforts to encourage choice riders to turn to mass transit, however
as the Connecticut Post reports, “The push to get Nutmeggers to give up their cars
leaves many scratching their heads. Newer train cars are nice, they say, but unless they
can get a parking spot in the vicinity of the train station, what good will it do?”321
Make the ticket buying process easy, and offer discounts to
students, large employers and frequent-riders: Salt Lake City offers
annual passes for students and employers. Employer passes are at a reduced cost and
are only for fixed-routes.322 In Minneapolis, as well as other places, rail riders are able
to purchase tickets online, enabling them the convenience of planning ahead while also
reducing anxiety for new rail riders unfamiliar with the process.323
Offer real-time status updates online: The Minneapolis MetroTransit324 and
New Jersey Transit systems feature “real-time” departures to help riders plan their trips
home. Likewise, the New Jersey system offers a full application called DepartureVision
where riders can sign up for alerts to be notified when there is a delay with information
sent directly to mobile devices. 325
Use buses and other non-rail forms of transit to fill in the gaps
once you’ve attracted riders: When service to the Pleasant View Station ended,
Salt Lake City’s transit authority replaced the rail trips with bus trips, noting even an
uptick in ridership due to more bus routes and a better schedule. 326 In Central Florida,
added bus trips in the same service areas could be used over the weekend or other
“commuter times” not covered by SunRail. This is particularly important with Central
Florida’s healthcare and hospitality industries, which both operate at full capacity seven
days per week.
Charlotte Lynx Rail Stop h�p://www.flickr.com/photos
Username: davidwilson1949
13. Lessons Learned 13
Charlotte Interior h�p://www.flickr.com/photo
Username: Willamor Media
301 Transit Ridership Report First Quarter 2012. (May 18, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx_Rapid_Transit_Services Creek Center Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Creek_
2012). American Public Transporta�on Associa�on.
Center
310 Rolen, B. (April 7, 2011). Riding the Music City Star isn’t for
302 Capital Metropolitan Transporta�on Authority. (n.d.).
everyone, but it’s hard to beat the train for a relaxing commute. 318 Lynx Rapid Transit Services. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2012
Retrieved June 15, 2011 from the CMTA Wiki: h�p://
Nashville Scene. from the Lynx Rapid Transit Services Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_Metropolitan_Transporta�on_
org/wiki/Lynx_Rapid_Transit_Services
Authority
311 Northstar Line. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2012 from the 319 FrontRunner. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2012 from
303 “UTA: More Bus Riders in Pleasant View a�er FrontRunner
Northstar Line Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northstar_Line FrontRunner Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FrontRunner
Service Cuts.” Standard-Examiner. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 June
2012.
312 Metro Transit Ridership Grows to 60 Million Through Q3; 320 Arndt, J., Morgan, C., Overman, J.H., Clower, T.L., Weinstein,
on Pace to Top 80 Million in 2011. (October 25, 2011).Commuter B.L., & Seman, M. (September 2009). Transporta�on, Social
304 Northstar Line. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2012 from
Connec�on and Economic Impacts of Light and Commuter Rail. Texas
the Northstar Line Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Department of Transporta�on.
Northstar_Line
313 Capital Metropolitan Transporta�on Authority. (n.d.).
Retrieved June 15, 2011 from the CMTA Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia. 321 Reilly, G. (February 16, 2010). Hard-to-find parking spaces
305 www.vta.org
org/wiki/Capital_Metropolitan_Transporta�on_Authority challenge Metro-North riders. Connec�cut Post.
306 www.rideuta.com
314 Charlo�e’s light rail to run later on weekends. (June 22, 322 www.rideuta.com
2012). Retrieved June 23, 2013, from h�p://www.wbtv.com/
307 www.capmetro.org/riding/Current_schedules/schedule_
story/18855957/charlo�es-light-rail-to-run-later-on-weekends 323 www.metrotransit.org/passes-go-to-cards.aspx
book/metrorail_guide.pdf
315 Northstar Line. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2012 from the 324 www.metrotransit.org/
308 Arndt, J., Morgan, C., Overman, J.H., Clower,
Northstar Line Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northstar_Line
T.L., Weinstein, B.L., & Seman, M. (September 2009).
325 h�p://m.njtransit.com/mo/mo_servlet.
Transporta�on, Social and Economic Impacts of Light and
316 What Indianapolis Can Learn from Cincinna�’s Rail Lessons. srv?hdnPageAc�on=DvTo
Commuter Rail. Texas Department of Transporta�on.
(October 7, 2010). h�p://urban-out.com
326 FrontRunner. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2012 from
309 Lynx Rapid Transit Services. (n.d.). Retrieved June
317 City Creek Center. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2012 from City FrontRunner Wiki: h�p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FrontRunner
20, 2012 from the Lynx Rapid Transit Services Wiki: h�p://
14. 14
Jose Carlos Ayala Jose Carlos Ayala
Jose Carlos Ayala
Jose Carlos Ayala
15. 15
Connectivity
Winter Park’s SunRail station connects residents and businesses in our
community to the Central Florida region. However, city stakeholders need to work
together for the benefit of Winter Parks residents to increase SunRail connectivity,
ridership, and to attract economic activity.
Destinations such as the Winter Park Village, Park Avenue, Rollins College,
Winter Park Tech, Valencia Community College, Winter Park Memorial Hospital,
Morse Boulevard Business District, Hannibal Square, Alfonso Inn, and the Winter Park
Public Library are all major hubs of activity. By improving connectivity between these
hubs, Winter Park’s businesses and residents will benefit from SunRail’s regional
connection to other major cities.
Challenges
1. The design of sidewalks and roadways outside of major hubs do not
provide adequate safety and connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists.
2. Current transportation services need to improve connections and
frequency for SunRail users.
3. The existing parking surrounding the Winter Park train station is not
sufficiently planned to support increased activity and SunRail ridership.
Solutions
1. Improve the built urban environment and modify roadway designs to
support pedestrians and bicyclists.
2. Increase the frequency of bus connection services and offer new
proposed routes with Neighborhood Electric Vehicles.
3. Work with businesses and implement shared parking regulations to
improve overall efficiency.
Stakeholder Involvements
City of Winter Park Rollins College
Florida Department of Transportation SunRail
Publix Winter Park Memorial Hospital
16. 16 Connectivity
The Mayflower
Winter Park
Tech
Winter
Winter Park
Village Park
Valencia Winter Park
Community Memorial
College Hospital
Rollins
College
SunRail’s Winter Park station offers great retail and leisure
opportunities for commuters riding the train and for those visiting
Winter Park. The ¼ mile radius surrounding the commuter train
station is one of the friendliest pedestrian environments in Central
Florida. Yet, outside this radius, connectivity between major
employers, retail businesses, and other destinations remains a
challenge.
To increase SunRail ridership and economic activity withinWinter
Park, connectivity between the major hubs needs improvement.
After taking into consideration other commuter and light rail
successes and failures, subscribers to this study recommend the
following alternatives:
17. Connectivity 17
Pedestrian Environment and Thoroughfares Improvements:
The City of Winter Park works diligently to improve existing sidewalks for pedestrian safety
within the urban core of Park Avenue. However, the following improvements need consideration
to support pedestrian connectivity between major hubs in Winter Park.
• Reduce the speed limit on collector roads, avenues, parkways, and streets to increase
pedestrian safety. It is preferred that road design speeds do not exceed 30 MPH.
• Ensure that all crosswalks are well marked and inform drivers that it is Florida law to yield
to pedestrians.
• Take care that all sidewalk widths follow The Center for Applied Transect Studies
http://transect.org/transect.html or Context Sensitive Design methodologies as explained
in Design Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach by the by the Institute of
Transportation Engineers.
• Add well-marked pedestrian crossings halfway down blocks longer than 1,000 feet.
• Require pedestrian crosswalks with medians providing safe harbor and a bulb out to decrease
crossing distance at all intersections with four or more traffic lanes. Furthermore, the
amount of time allowed to cross the intersection must increase to provide enough time to
cross a large roadway.
• Include on street parking to serve as a protective barrier between pedestrians and traffic
on all thoroughfares.
• Plant more trees along sidewalks to provide an aesthetically pleasing canopy and shade for
pedestrians.
• Offer infill-development incentives within a two-mile radius of the train station to increase
densities and to create a “room enclosure,” or pedestrian friendly character.
• Make sure that all building façades face roads to make the character of the environment
more appealing and safe for pedestrians.
• Introduce native Florida plants into landscaping to reduce irrigation and create unique and
aesthetically pleasing features.
Jose Carlos Ayala Jose Carlos Ayala Jose Carlos Ayala
18. 18 Connectivity
Jose Carlos Ayala Jose Carlos Ayala
Bicycle Connectivity:
The City of Winter Park, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Park Avenue Association and other
stakeholders should consider the benefits of bicycle connectivity within the city’s urban core. An
example worth emulating is the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden, which has brought economic
benefits to that city. These actions might be taken:
• Integrating bike lanes with a minimum width of five feet on major thoroughfares.
• Placing proper designations on bike lanes, using colored paths or alternative roadway
materials to distinguish the bike lane from the roadway.
• Incorporating different bike lane design approaches as used in other cities.
• Adding additional safety barriers to bike lanes on Lee Road, North Orlando Avenue
and State Road 17-92, North Denning Drive, West Fairbanks Avenue, North and South
Lakemont Avenue, Osceola Avenue and Aloma Avenue.
• Adding bicycle sharing pavement signs to all two–lane roads.
• Installing additional bicycle racks throughout the city to encourage the use of bicycles.
• Introducing a bicycle-sharing program with rental kiosks at all major hubs.
19. Connectivity 19
NEV and Bike Sharing Special Lanes:
Lynx’s existing bus route and schedule do not provide appropriate connectivity to the Winter
Park SunRail station. Introducing transportation design routes, such as Neighborhood Electric
Vehicles (NEV) with schedules that mirror the SunRail station schedule will improve connectivity
between major hubs.These major hubs include the Winter Park Village,Winter Park Tech,Valencia
Community College, Park Avenue,Winter Park Memorial Hospital, the Morse Boulevard Business
District, Hannibal Square, Rollins College, Alfond Inn, and the Winter Park Public Library.
Improving connectivity from Winter Park’s SunRail Station to these stakeholders will increase
ridership and pedestrian traffic within the community. The creation of a specially designated lane
on Morse Boulevard will accommodate NEV’s and Bike Sharing to increase interconnectivity. The
stakeholders located along the newly created NEV routes might contribute for these additional
services, since their employees and clientele will utilize these connections. These actions might
be taken:
• Ensure that Neighborhood Electric Vehicles NEV and Bike Sharing lanes are a minimum
of 8 feet wide.
• Create proper designations for bike lanes with colored paths or alternative roadway
materials to distinguish the bike lane from the roadway.
• When possible, Integrate special lanes for NEV’s and bike lanes on major
thoroughfares..
• Place stops along each route to serve stakeholders.
• Use NEVs that accommodate 8 or more passengers and have air conditioning.
• Do not incorporate these changes along Mizell Avenue in order to maintain the unique
character of this neighborhood.
21. Connectivity 21
Winter Park Tech
Legend:
NEV Stop
Winter Park Village
Valencia College
Winter Park Campus
Hanibbal Square
NEV and Bike’s West Route Loop
NEV’s West Route Loop
Starting on Winter Park Station to Morse Boulevard turn right onto North Denning
Drive, turn left on West Canton Avenue, enter right onto Winter Park Village via
Galloway Drive, continue up to West Webster Avenue, turn right on North Denning
Drive, turn left on Morse Boulevard and end at the SunRail Station.
22. 22 Connectivity
NEV and Bike’
Polasek Museum &
Sculture Garden
Rollins College
Alfonso Inn
23. Connectivity 23
’s East Route Loop
Winter Park
Memorial Hospital
Legend:
NEV Stop
NEV’s East Route Loop
Starting on Winter Park Station to Morse Boulevard turn right onto South Interlachen
Avenue, turn left on East New England Avenue, turn left at the intersection of Chase
Avenue and East Fairbanks Avenue, turn right on Osceola Avenue, and turn left on Mizell
Avenue until Winter Park Memorial on North Lakemont Avenue.
24. 24 Connectivity
www.golynx.com
Jose Carlos Ayala
25. Connectivity 25
Bus Service:
Lynx services the City of Winter Park and the major stakeholders (see below); however,
the frequency of their service is limited. To increase connectivity and ridership, SunRail’s
commuters require reliable connections. Lynx should therefore increase the frequency of
service on these routes
Source: Lynx power point presenta�on for Rollins College
The following recommendations
will improve reliability and
connectivity and create a safer Park’s downtown. • Provide shelter from rain
commuter environment. • Encourage Lynx and as well as trashcans at all
SunRail to partner in bus stops.
• Adjust the schedule for offering a simple transfer • Use Lynx’s
Lynx routes 1, 9, 14, 23, fare for riders. NeighborLink and
and 443 to mirror SunRail • Increase bicycle rack Access Lynx to provide
schedule at peak time. capacity on buses. service to the Mayflower
• To maintain the City of • Create an interactive Retirement Community,
Winter Park’s character, smart phone application Winter Park Memorial,
Lynx should employ smaller with Global Positions and others commuters
buses in their fleet within a System (GPS) with live, with special needs within
two-mile radius of Winter up-to-date bus schedules. Winter Park’s city limits.
26. 26 Connectivity
Parking:
The City of Winter Park’s SunRail Station is going to use the existing Amtrak parking lot for
future riders. While the city has several parking garages in downtown Winter Park, there is a
concern among retail, services, and restaurant owners that commuter rail passengers will fill
the existing parallel parking spaces on Park Avenue. Parking is necessary to make Winter Park’s
SunRail station not only a destination, but a point of departure. Increasing ridership requires a
shared parking strategy to address the concerns of businesses and to guarantee parking spots for
SunRail commuters.
The following are recommendations to increase parking availability for future SunRail passengers
and Park Avenue consumers.
• The City of Winter Park, Winter Park Chambers of Commerce, Park Avenue Business
Associations and major stakeholders should support a shared-parking program and agree
to open parking spaces when they are not in use.
• The City of Winter Park should issue decals and require Park Avenue’s retail, service, and
restaurant employees to park off of Park Avenue in designated private parking spaces and
parking garage spaces.
• When feasible, on-street parking should be encouraged.
• Free on street parking should be limited to two hours for the entire week.
• The City of Winter Park should provide incentives for businesses to participate in shared
parking.
• Create an interactive smart phone application with parking locations and schedules.
• Install signs indicating parking locations
• Stakeholders should indicate and market parking locations.
by ACi
27. Connectivty 27
Winter Park
Tech
Winter
Winter Park
Village Park
Valencia
Community
College
Rollins
College
28. 28 Connectivity
Water Taxi and Kayak Sharing
Boat Ramp
Locations
Proposed
Boat Ramps
29. Connectivty 29
Water Taxis and Kayak Sharing:
The Winter Park Chain of Lakes already connects the Cities of Maitland and Winter Park through a
series of navigable channels suitable for boats and kayaks. These lakes are important to the history
of our region and offer spectacular scenery and recreation. Lakes Minnehaha, Maitland, Osceola,
Virginia, and Mizell offer a unique opportunity to create Water Taxi and kayak sharing services
for citizens living around the lakes who prefer traveling by water. The following actions deserve
consideration:
• Conducting an economic feasibility study to determine the potential success of this
project.
• Introducing a Blueway Trail System through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, as modeled
by the City of Casselberry.
• Ask the City of Winter Park to modify the Maitland and Dinky Dock public boat ramps,
Kraft Azalea Gardens dock, and approach other private entities, like Rollins College, to
provide Water Taxi stops and kayak rental kiosks and kayak racks.
• InviteWinter Park’s Scenic Boat tour to undertake this entrepreneurial activity by extending
their service and frequency.
entrepreneur.com boatdesign.net
31. 31
Commuter Assistance Programs
A key element for making SunRail successful will be meeting the system’s ridership
goals. Commuter assistance programs are one way to encourage ridership. They
can help companies and their employees understand the benefits associated
with riding SunRail, including financial benefits such as tax credits. There are
several commuter assistance programs or resources that can help employers
and employees understand the benefits of riding SunRail. This section will provide
background on the different commuter assistance programs available, as well as
the challenges of communicating the tax and financial benefits of riding SunRail.
This section will also provide solutions and strategies that local stakeholders in
Winter Park, including Rollins College, can start implementing in the short-term to
help make SunRail a success in Winter Park as well as a way to market to future/
potential employers and employees.
Challenges
1. Educating employers on the tax benefits of employees riding SunRail
2. Educating employers on how to provide tax benefits to employers.
3. Educating employees on commuter benefits provided by their employers.
Solutions
1. Provide employers with information on tax benefits to encourage them to
encourage their employees to ride SunRail and other modes of transportation.
2. Help employees to understand financial benefits of riding SunRail.
Stakeholder Involements
1. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the City of Winter Park
(Sustainability Program), and other stakeholders in the city should continue to
communicate to employers and residents about the commuter services program
(reThink)
2. Involve Rollins College (employees and students), the Winter Park Chamber
of Commerce or other employers in reThink or other commuter assistance
programs.
32. 32 Commuter Assistance Programs
Background Assistance Programs
Currently there are several programs that can help employers to encourage their employees to
ride SunRail. These resources include a wealth of educational information. A few of the current
programs are included below:
reThink is an FDOT program that asks people to “rethink” how they get to work. The program
is also promoted by the City of Winter Park Sustainability program. FDOT uses the program
to work with companies to set up worksite programs to help employees find a different way to
commute to work, as well as offering individual commuter assistance.
Services Provided: According to the reThink website, they offer several services to employers,
including:
1. Worksite Transportation 3. Commute Trip Reduction
Assessment— free service that provides Programs— Employee Commute Trip
information on commute options available Reduction programs that will help the
in the requested area as well as potential respective company decrease impacts on the
savings and impacts to companies carbon community, as well as save money for the
footprint by promoting alternative modes of company and employees. reThink will work
transportation. with companies to help change employee
commuting habits.
2. Employee Transportation
Assessment—free service that provides 4. FREE Training for Employee
analysis of employees’ commuting habits, Transportation Coordinators—
pinpointing which employees could benefit reThink works with what they call
from alternative modes by identifying Employee Transportation Coordinators
potential carpool or vanpool groups and (ETCs), which are selected at each
matching commuters with available bus and company, at employers’ offices and trains
rail routes. them to be effective Alternative Commute
Leaders.
33. Commuter Assistance Programs 33
Tax Incentives: Likely the most significant benefit that employers and employees can gain
from SunRail are tax incentives. Under Section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code (Qualified
Transportation Fringe Benefits), employers can Offer Commuter Tax Benefits. These
reduce payroll taxes for employers and income taxes for employees. The Commuter Tax Benefit
Programs according to reThink include:
1. Employer Covers the Cost- 4. Parking Cash-Out Program—
Employers can offer up $125* a month to If employers pay for employees to park their
their employees to pay for a transit pass, cars during the day, they can offer that money
including an option to reimburse employees directly to employees instead (up to $240* a
up to $20 a month for qualified bicycling month – in place of their free parking space
commute expenses. If this amount would – to use on alternative transportation to
be provided to employees as additional work). The employer receives a tax deduction
income, the company would be taxed and saves over offering an increase of the
on it. The company is able to take a tax same amount in gross income.
deduction. *The benefits mentioned above are subject to
changes in the IRS Tax code. For
2. Allow Employees to Set Aside more information see:
Money Pre-Tax—This option is http://www.rethinkyourcommute.com
similar to setting money aside to pay for
health expenses. The employer allows
employees to use pre-tax income (up to
$125 a month*) to pay for a transit pass
or to cover vanpool expenses. Allowing
employees to designate part of their income
as “pre-tax” lowers the amount employers
pay on payroll taxes.
3. Work Together—If employers
cannot provide the benefit mentioned
in 1 and 2 they can still provide a small
subsidy and allow employees to set aside the
difference through the pre-tax option. h�p://www.capmetro.org/metrorail
34. 34 Commuter Assistance Programs
Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC)
Is a membership program that provides reports/resources that helps employers understand the
benefits of alternative modes of transportation. Employers can receive national recognition on
the list of Best Workplaces for Commuters by meeting the National Standard of Excellence. To
qualify as one of the top workplaces each company must offer one of the following benefits:
1. At least $30/month towards a transit pass 4. A significant compressed work week
or vanpool pass (or the full cost of a pass if program that reduces by at least 6 percent the
it is less than $30) to each employee who number of commuting trips employees make.
commutes using transit or a vanpool. 5. At least $30 per month (in lieu of providing a
2. At least 30 percent of employees parking spot) to each employee who leaves his/
participating in a pre-tax purchase of a her car at home and commutes another way.
monthly transit pass or vanpool pass of at 6. An equivalent benefit that provides similar
least $30 per month (or the full cost of a value to employees, reduces traffic and air
pass if it is less than $30). pollution, and is agreed to by Best Workplaces
3. A significant telework program that for Commuters.
reduces by at least 6 percent the number of 34
commuting trips employees make.
According to their website, BWC provides assistance to participating employers by offering
public recognition and promotion, technical assistance, training, Web-based tools, and forums for
information exchange. Also included are resources such as briefs on tax benefits and ways to market
to employees. This may be a potential marketing asset for Winter Park employers, including Rollins.
As of 2012 there were 33 colleges and universities on the list.
BWC mentions these additional benefits for employers providing commuter assistance: 1) Attract
and retain employees, 2) Solve parking challenges and cost, 3) Enjoy tax and cost
savings, 4) Reduce environmental impacts, 5) Exhibit leadership and corporate
citizenship, and 6) Add to national security.
For more information see: http://www.bestworkplaces.org
35. Commuter Assistance Programs 35
Dump the Pump is a program run by the America Public Transportation
Association. Each year the “National Dump the Pump day” is held to encourage
people to take another form of transportation such as public transit. This may be
a marketing opportunity for SunRail.
For more information see: http://www.apta.com
Other Services include commuter services provided by Lynx and Votran (Volusia County’s
public transit system), which provide services such as Rideshare matching, Vanpooling, and Park
Ride lots.
Challenges/Solu�ons
3. Encourage the Chamber of Commerce,
Park
Below are addi�onal details on what
Avenue Associa�on and other stakeholders
stakeholders in Winter Park can do to
to set up presenta�ons to employees with
increase transit ridership. Some of these
the
Solu�ons are in progress.
reThink program, especially regarding tax
benefits.
Challenge #1: Educa�ng employers
4. Provide employers with resources from
in Winter Park on the tax benefits of
the Best Workplaces for Commuters that
employees riding SunRail and
include:
Challenge #2: Educa�ng employers
• Commuter Tax Benefits
on how to provide tax benefits to
• Marke�ng Commuter Benefits to
employers.
Employees
Solu�on: Provide employers with
• Transit and Vanpool Benefits
informa�on on tax benefits to encourage
5. Provide addi�onal tax exper�se by
employers to encourage employees
bringing financial experts to public
to ride SunRail and other modes of
workshops for employers (including HR staff)
transporta�on.
to be�er understand Sec�on 132(f) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
The City of Winter Park (including the
Sustainability Program)
SunRail and FDOT
1. Con�nue to coordinate with reThink.
1. Work with employers who wish to
2. Target and iden�fy employers in Winter
provide transit vouchers and passes to their
Park to par�cipate in reThink and other
employees.
commuter services.
36. 36 Commuter Assistance Programs
2. Provide free worksite and employee The City of Winter Park (including the
transporta�on services for employers Sustainability
wish to par�cipate such as Rollins College Program)
(reThink program). 1. Encourage the Chamber of Commerce,
3. Provide specific informa�on for Park Avenue Associa�on, and other
interested companies on tax savings stakeholders to discuss reThink and other
that could be realized by employers who commuter services for employees with
provide transit passes and vouchers. employers who would like to par�cipate.
4. Poten�ally provide addi�onal
incen�ves and awards to top companies SunRail and FDOT
with commuters. 1. Provide free training to Human
Resources departments, as Employee
Rollins College Transporta�on
1. Do addi�onal analysis of how many Coordinators, to become experts in tax
employees and students live close to savings available as part of the reThink
SunRail sta�ons. program.
2. Look into offering up to $125* a 2. Provide informa�on to employers from
month to employees to pay for transit the Best
passes as fringe benefits. Workplace for Commuters
3. Look into providing passes and • Marke�ng Commuter Benefits to
vouchers for students and u�lize Employees
materials from Best Workplaces for 3. List the employers involved in commuter
the benefit of student and employee assistance services at Winter Park sta�ons.
commuters. Review whether to 1) offer 4. Provide marke�ng materials that walk
to cover cost of full benefit, 2) offer a employers through ac�ons they can take to
pre-tax benefit, or 3) share the cost with market to their employees from the Best
employees. Workplaces for Commuters website.
Challenge #3: Educa�ng employees on Rollins College
commuter benefits provided by their 1. Consider becoming part of the Best
employers. Workplaces for Commuters as a marke�ng
Solu�on: Help employees to understand piece.
financial benefits of riding SunRail. 2. Give presenta�ons to employees
describing transporta�on fringe benefits
37. 37
Public Education
The success of SunRail will be proportional to ridership volume. Success will
require a modal shift for many people who are unaccustomed to using s transit.
This section discusses the psychosocial challenges that SunRail may encounter
when seeking to increase ridership. These challenges involve strong emotions
and long-held opinions regarding mass transit use. The question looms, “Why
would one give up the comfort and control of their private automobile in favor of
commuting via SunRail?”
Challenges
1. Overcoming commuter anxiety caused by crowding, delays,
inconvenience and safety.
2. Understanding preconceived ideas about SunRail and influencing
behavioral change (getting people out of their cars and onto a train).
3. Educating residents, employers, and employees regarding the future
possibilities SunRail may offer.
Solutions
1. Reassure future riders that SunRail will be safe, comfortable and
convenient.
2. Engage future riders and stakeholders through community-based social
marketing.
3. Identify leaders in niche market segments that can provide community
engagement and activity surrounding SunRail.
Stakeholder Involements
Park Avenue Area Association Publix
Retirement Communities Rollins College
Valencia Community Collge SunRail
Winter Park Health Foundation Healthy Central Florida
Winter Park Village
38. 38 Public Education
The future success of SunRail will be proportional to ridership volume. Success will require a
modal shift for many from using a private car to experiencing mass transit. This section discusses
the psychological, social and educational challenges that the SunRail system may incur in seeking
to increase ridership. These challenges involve long held opinions and strong emotions held by
the public regarding mass transit use. The question looms, “Why would one give up the comfort
and control of their private automobile in favor of commuting via SunRail?” SunRail developers
must have an understanding of the anxieties and motivations of potential riders. Mass transit
promises speed to destination and relief from the responsibilities of traffic,at a cheaper cost than
using one’s automobile. Getting to one’s destination is not simply a matter of station-to-station
transfer. It also must involve peripheral transportation to popular destinations. In the past
decade, Central Floridians have been exposed to discussions, debates and votes on various types
of rail systems; therefore many may not understand the distinction between rail types. SunRail
is a commuter rail with a fixed route and limited times of operation. Once residents understand
this basic fact about SunRail, they will need to be educated on the uses and benefits of using rail
transit. The following challenges should concern stakeholders.
Challenge #1: of arriving at their destination on time. People
Overcoming Anxiety may be more willing to accept flaws in the
Four types of commuter anxieties will affect system when informed appropriately and in
the success of SunRail. real time.
Crowding causes the highest level of Inconvenience and undue complications
passenger anxiety. Successful mass transit can in routes produce an anxious distrust of
involve high passenger volume, especially at the general system. Trip planning must be
key commuting hours. Although this may not relatively convenient and feasible
be a problem for SunRail in the beginning, it for the average commuter and tourist. Steps
could be a factor that requires future planning. should be taken to educate residents and
Passengers need to know that they will have a employees about reliable connections to and
comfortable and relaxed journey, free from from the Winter Park station. Presently, Lynx
unwanted experiences. is proposing additional routes to improve
Delays are responsible for the second most connectivity.200
common anxiety. Reliability in service Fear about safety may cause varying degrees
is a crucial factor. Current technology offers of anxiety among men and women and among
the electronic ability to post current data and different age groups. Particularly, families with
messaging reassuring passengers of the reality small children will need accommodations. 201
39. Public Education 39
Challenge #2: Understanding Challenge #3: Educating
preconceived ideas about Residents, Employers, and
SunRail and influencing Employees
behavioral change.
Winter Park, like the rest of Central
The marketing engine must demonstrate an Florida, faces challenges in introducing
understanding of how people perceive future riders
public transportation. Furthermore, who have never been exposed to daily
developers must identify steps to remove life with a rail system. Businesses will
barriers that may cause people to return to need to be educated about tax benefits
familiar but less efficient transportation. The for promoting employee use of SunRail.
way people perceive and place value on a There will need to
product or service is termed “Attribution”. be broad-based education concerning
Exploring this process will help support the system, from purchasing tickets
positive growth for the SunRail system.202 to understanding schedules to gaining
Community-based social marketing (CBSM) confidence that SunRail is viable. Social
has been effective in gaining support for marketing resources include printed and
transportation initiatives. Defining the web-based guides and handbooks that
critical elements involved in achieving can offer city governments, employers
behavioral and concerned citizens the strategies
and social change involves identifying to aid them in addressing challenges.
and changing real barriers, such as poor For SunRail to succeed stakeholders
motivation, and entrenched negative will need to be engaged on all levels
habitual behavior. Community focus groups, in continual implementation and
including business and property owners, improvement efforts. Newsletters, both
can help define marketing strategies. mail and Internet based communication,
Stakeholders such as retailers who are involving social media such as Facebook,
renters rather than property owners, often Twitter, LinkedIn and others can play an
feel powerless regarding city hall decisions. important role.203
When included in planning conversations
they may feel more flexible toward change
and offer ideas that address marketing
challenges.
40. 40 Public Education
Publ Educ
Challenge #4: Planning Parking Facilities
At the start of its operation, SunRail will have a fixed route and limited service. Service will be
most frequent during designated peak hours and less frequent during off-peak hours. Unlike city
bus service, most commuters will have to park their car to conveniently use the SunRail system.
Since the Winter Park SunRail station will be both a destination and departure location,
commercial and retail centers may add to the success of SunRail by designating employee parking
to allow for increased customer parking. Studies of available parking spaces and facilities are
important to establish future convenience.
Connectivity:
Winter Park residents, like most residents of Florida, are accustomed to the present highway
system with its “feeder roads,” offering connections among local, state, and interstate roads and
highways. SunRail does not yet offer a trusted, seamless system. Employers in Winter Park should
be encouraged to explore ways to make SunRail more accessible for their employees. Discounted
fares for frequent riders, benefits of carpooling and employer van or bus service are among
options to explore.
Nuisance:
SunRail planning involves efforts to quiet trains as they run through Winter Park. Employing the
use of “quite zones,” limiting warning whistle use, and appropriately synchronizing safety gates at
crossings, are important efforts needed to dispel fears of bothersome noises. 206
Public Education
41
200 Barley, H
201 Cheng, Y. (2010). Exploring passenger anxiety associated with train travel. Transporta�on, 37(6), 875-896. doi:10.1007/s11116-010-9267-z
202 Scherer,M and Dziekan,K (2012 April 16). Bus or Rail: An Approach to Explain the Psychological Rail Factor. Journal of Public Transporta�on Ar�cle in Volume 15, Issue 1 (2012)
203 h�p://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-urban-menu-eng-2054.htm
Kassirer, J. & Lagarde, F. (2010). Changing transporta�on behaviours - A social
marke�ng planning guide. O�awa (Canada): Transport Canada.
204 We�stein, B. & Chapin, P. (2012, June). SunRail. Dr. R. Foglesong. Poli�cs of Place. Lecture conducted at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida.
205 Barley, H
206 Barley, H. & Bradley, K. (2012, June). SunRail. Dr. R. Foglesong. Poli�cs of Place. Lecture conducted at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida.
Public Education
42
43. 43
Safety
People will not engage in activities that make them feel unsafe, and the coming of
SunRail to Winter Park has raised questions about personal safety both on the
trains and in the area around the station. Transit riders and residents will need
assurance that their safety concerns have been taken into account—in these
ways:
Challenges
1. Creating peace of mind for residents, visitors, and commuters in
Downtown Winter Park.
2. Overcoming difficulties that hinder the cohesion of the community.
3. Increasing safety at railroad crossings in the Winter Park area.
4. Improving sidewalks and roads to promote a safer
atmosphere for pedestrians and cyclists.
Solutions
1. Installing surveillance cameras, as has been done on Park Avenue, to
monitor and record activity in the area.
2. Engaging the community to promote safety via self regulation in the area
around the station.
3. Adding quad gate crossings at railroad crossings to prevent obstructions
from entering the train’s path.
4. Creating bike lanes and protected sidewalks in the
area surrounding the station to create safer commutes for riders
and visitors to downtown.
Stakeholder Involements
Retirement Communities Park Ave. Area Association
Valencia Community College Publix
Winter Park Chamber of Winter Park Chamber of
Commerece Commerece
44. 44 Safety
Crime Prevention
Since SunRail will be transporting a large Winter Park as more people frequent the area
number of people to and from the Winter due to SunRail. This will ensure safety since
Park station, some residents have expressed more attention will be paid to the shoppers
concern about whether this will increase and visitors of the downtown Winter Park
crime in the area. Several steps have been area. Criminals do not like places filled with
taken to mitigate these concerns, however. very conscious-minded people, which makes
The surveillance cameras that have been it difficult for them to escape. Community
installed on Park Avenue (as pictured below) engagement is the most important component
will allow video records to be used to of ensuring safety. A team effort is the most
reprimand individuals involved in unlawful efficient and effective means of ensuring
acts. This surveillance will also allow security. Those frequenting the area will
the Winter Park Police Department to be more comfortable knowing that active
keepwatch over Park Avenue without shopkeepers, business owners, and residents
the presence of patrol cars and uniformed are looking out for them.
officers that might detract from the area’s
Safety 45
congenial atmosphere.
Railroad Crossings
Railroad crossings can be very dangerous, and
in a town so laden with track, this can create
a serious safety issue. Winter Park will be
installing quad gate (as pictured below) at
railroad crossings to prevent obstructions
from entering the train’s path at crossings,
meaning that there will be two gates on each
h�p://www.flickr.com
side of the tracks, one in each traffic lanes This
User: Issac Babcock
will prevent motorists from driving
Community Involvement
Winter Park merchants and residents
have a great deal of pride when it comes
to Park Avenue and the area around the
SunRail Station. They are very active in
the maintenance and improvement of these
areas. For this reason, it is expected that the published: 20 Apr 2007 author: Rrxingrick
residents and merchants will continue to play h�p://www.flickr.com
an important role in improving downtown User: Rrxingrick
45. Safety 45
around the gates before the train arrives, which motorists sometimes do when they are stuck at
crossings for long freight trains. As SunRail will only be two to three cars long, trying to “beat
the train” is unnecessary; the average SunRail train will take only about twenty seconds to pass a
railroad crossing.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Pedestrian and cyclist safety is a top priority not only in the areas around the SunRail station,
but also throughout Central Florida. The areas around the station in downtown Winter Park
are already very pedestrian and cyclist friendly, but in the future, more expansive safety
precautions will be needed. Since outbound commuters will be coming from all areas of
Winter Park, designated bike lanes and protected walkways need to be created and improved.
Something as simple as allowing cars to park in the lane nearest the sidewalk (as pictured in the
end of this section) is a quick and easy safety precaution that makes cyclists and pedestrians feel
more protected from passing traffic. Long term, forcing bicycle riders to use the same roads as
automobiles is not the solution to this problem. Bike lanes and protected sidewalks are essential
precautions for transit riders, and these pedestrian and cyclist improvements can be enjoyed by
residents and visitors alike.
47. 47
Local Stakeholders
Key organizations in Winter Park stand to gain particular advantages from SunRail
and are capable of offering unique support for SunRail’s success. Below we list these or-
ganizations, state what their strategic interest in SunRail might be, and suggest a role they
can play to aid SunRail’s success.
Connectivity Stakeholders
o Interest: The City of Winter Park will be one of the municipalities
City of Winter Park
responsible for cost of SunRail in the 8th year of its operation and therefore
has a direct financial stake in SunRail’s success. Winter Park could also
benefit from the increased visitors SunRail might deliver to the city’s
commercial districts improving sales tax revenues.
o Role: Build Bike/Ped friendly thoroughfares; Support SunRail connector
with dedicated lane; Support shared parking with regulations
Lynx
o Interest: Lynx ridership numbers may be improved due to the greater level
of connectivity that Lynx riders can gain from SunRail.
o Role: Build SunRail connector with dedicated lane
Retirement Communities
o Interest: Winter Park is home to several retirement communities including
the Mayflower and Winter Park Towers. These communities are less willing
and able to drive personal vehicles and could have their safety and mobility
greatly enhanced by access to SunRail.
o Role: Provide bus connection to SunRail from retirement community.
Rollins College
o Interest: Rollins College could benefit from SunRail as it can provide transit
for the large number of faculty, staff, and students who cannot afford to live
within walking distance of campus.
o Role: Provide bus connection to SunRail from retirement community.
48. 48
SunRail
o Interest: SunRail could garner increased farebox revenues from appropriate
connectivity for the “last mile” of SunRail riders’ commute.
o Role: Support SunRail connector with dedicated lane by providing
appropriate bus stop facilities at the station.
Winter Park Memorial Hospital
o Winter Park Memorial Hospital could benefit from SunRail as it can
provide transit for faculty, staff, patients if connectivity from the Winter
Park station is provided.
o Role: Provide bus connection to SunRail from Winter Park Village or
provide bus stop facilities at Winter Park Village.
Winter Park Village
o Interest: The businesses at Winter Park Village could benefit from the
increased visitors SunRail might deliver to the city’s commercial districts
improving sales.
o Role: Provide bus connection to SunRail from Winter Park Village or
provide bus stop facilities at Winter Park Village.
www.orlandosen�nel.com
49. 49
Commuter Assistance Programs Stakeholders
City of Winter Park
o Interest: The City of Winter Park will be one of the municipalities
responsible for cost of SunRail in the 8th year of its operation and
therefore has a direct financial stake in SunRail’s success. Winter
Park could also benefit from the increased visitors SunRail might
deliver to the city’s commercial districts improving sales tax
revenues.
o Role: Provide informational support employers interested in tax
incentives supporting employee transit ridership.
Florida Department of Transportation
o Interest: The Florida Department of Transportation can better serve
its mission of facilitating transportation by ensuring that SunRail
provides a useful and attractive option for many potential riders.
o Role: Provide informational support employers interested in tax
incentives supporting employee transit ridership.
Rollins College
o Interest: Rollins College could benefit from SunRail as it can
provide transit for the large number of faculty, staff, and students
who cannot afford to live within walking distance of campus.
o Role: Provide SunRail passes and pursue concomitant tax
incentives.
SunRail
o Interest: SunRail could garner increased farebox revenues from
appropriate connectivity for the “last mile” of SunRail riders’
commute.
o Role: Provide informational support employers interested in tax
incentives supporting employee transit ridership.
50. 50 Stakeholders
Public Education Stakeholders
Park Avenue Area Association
o Interest: The membership of the Park Avenue Area Chamber of Commerce
could benefit from the increased visitors SunRail might deliver to the city’s
commercial districts improving sales.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient;
Cultivate community leaders to show SunRail is a social norm
Publix
o Interest: Publix Supermarket is one of the largest employers in Winter
Park and has two stores just over one mile from the SunRail stop and could
benefit from having connectivity to SunRail for employees and shoppers.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient.
Retirement Communities
o Interest: Winter Park is home to several retirement communities including
the Mayflower and Winter Park Towers. These communities are less
willing and able to drive personal vehicles and could have their safety and
mobility greatly enhanced by access to SunRail.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient;
Cultivate community leaders to show SunRail is a social norm.
Rollins College
o Interest: Rollins College could benefit from SunRail as it can provide
transit for the large number of faculty, staff, and students who cannot
afford to live within walking distance of campus.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient;
Create social marketing campaigns cultivating SunRail ridership; Cultivate
community leaders to show SunRail is a social norm.
www.westorlandonews.com
51. Stakeholders 51
SunRail
o Interest: SunRail could garner increased farebox revenues from
appropriate connectivity for the “last mile” of SunRail riders’ commute.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient;
Create social marketing campaigns cultivating SunRail ridership; Cultivate
community leaders to show SunRail is a social norm.
Valencia Community College
o Interest: Valencia Community College and Winter Park Tech could benefit
from SunRail as it can provide transit for faculty, staff, and students
traveling to or between the Winter Park and Downtown Orlando
campuses.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient;
Create social marketing campaigns cultivating SunRail ridership; Cultivate
community leaders to show SunRail is a social norm.
Winter Park Health Foundation and Healthy Central Florida
o Interest: The missions of the Winter Park Health Foundation and Healthy
Central Florida can benefit from the physical and cultural change SunRail
can instigate, contributing to a healthier population who spend more time
out of their personal vehicles and more time walking to transit.
o Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient;
Create social marketing campaigns cultivating SunRail ridership; Cultivate
community leaders to show SunRail is a social norm.
Winter Park Village
o Interest: The businesses at Winter Park Village could benefit from the
increased visitors SunRail might deliver to the city’s commercial districts
improving sales.
Role: Communicate that SunRail is safe, comfortable, and convenient
www.westorlandonews.com
52. 52 Stakeholders
Safety Stakeholders
City of Winter Park
o Interest: The City of Winter Park will be one of the municipalities
responsible for cost of SunRail in the 8th year of its operation and
therefore has a direct financial stake in SunRail’s success. Winter Park
could also benefit from the increased visitors SunRail might deliver to the
city’s commercial districts improving sales tax revenues.
o Role: Upgrade Bike/Ped crossings for safety; installed surveillance
cameras on Park Avenue.
Florida Department of Transportation
o Interest: The Florida Department of Transportation can better serve its
mission of facilitating transportation by ensuring that SunRail provides a
useful and attractive option for many potential riders.
o Role: Upgrade Bike/Pedestrian crossings for safety.
SunRail
o Interest: SunRail could garner increased farebox revenues from
appropriate connectivity for the “last mile” of SunRail riders’ commute.
o Installed quad gate crossings at railroad crossings.
53. 53
Conclusion
Overview
This report is intended as an implementation guide for how stakeholder groups in Winter Park
can help make SunRail a success. A number of topics were discussed throughout this report,
including:
• An overview of lessons learned from the start-up of other commuter rail and light rail
systems in the U.S., to help anticipate challenges that might arise with SunRail.
• Building upon previous workshops and providing additional connectivity around the
Winter Park SunRail stop for all modes of travel – especially for pedestrians, bicyclists, and
users of other types of public transit.
• The psychological adjustments for Central Florida residents, especially people not
accustomed to riding rail and the tradeoffs from driving single- occupancy automobiles.
• The public educational challenges of setting real expectations and understanding that
this is just the start of a network, as well as educational challenges related to noise.
• Most importantly providing security for riders so that they feel safe at the station. Safety
nearby the stations is important as well, through enhanced pedestrian and bicycle safety
improvements.
• Throughout the document, challenges have been discussed, solutions/strategies have been
identified, and community stakeholder groups and their roles have been preliminarily
outlined.
This report provides solutions and strategies that can be acted upon by local stakeholder groups
that will help SunRail be successful in Winter Park. This report is only a starting point that
builds upon workshops and other discussions that have taken place in different forums. As an
implementation guide, this report sets a framework. Overall, more coordination and discussion
needs to take place between the City of Winter Park, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce,
Park Avenue Area Association, the health industry community, SunRail and FDOT, Metroplan
Orlando, the business community, Rollins College, and other local stakeholder groups to
develop a more detailed implementation plan, one that can lead to an even greater Winter Park.
54. 54 Conclusion
Next Steps, Where do we go from here?
Below are a number of next steps and ways for using this report.
• Use this report to build upon previous discussions that have
occurred and conduct further discussions on developing the
roles of local stakeholders. This report can be used as a guide.
• Better coordinate current initiatives and conduct continuous
open dialogue or stakeholder coordination sessions.
Stakeholders throughout Winter Park are working on
initiatives related to SunRail, such as the City of Winter
Park Sustainability Program and the Winter Park Health
Foundation and Healthy Central Florida.
• Build upon the success of getting SunRail approved and plan
for its successful implementation proactively, not reactively.
55. The following table summarizes the roles and responsibilities of the local stakeholders
identified throughout the report.
55
