ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - Pack your bags Orlando! You will soon be able to hop on a Virgin Trains USA and take it straight to Miami.
Friday, the Florida Development Finance Corporation voting unanimously to approve $950 million in bonds for the project.
“I think that connectivity between Orlando and Miami is just huge and I think we’ll see the economic benefits of that in the future,” said William Spivey, Executive Director, Florida Finance Development Corporation.
The funding allows the high speed train project to move forward. Plans include stops at Orlando International Airport and Disney world with a stop at the Sunrail’s Meadow Wood station, connecting the two systems.
“We appreciate the work of the FDFC board and staff. Virgin trains will be a transformative project that will help florida stay economically competitive while bringing thousands of jobs and tremendous economic impact to the state,” said Ben Porritt, SVP of Corporate Communications Brightline/Virgin Trains USA, “We have seen incredible support for this project and are confident it will bring a necessary public benefit to the millions of Florida residents and visitors.”
But not everyone was thrilled about the approval.“
A diesel express passenger train going through your town is a nightmare,” said Indian County resident Peter Seed.
But others excited to see the project come to life.
“I think it’s great, we need to get another means of transportation, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, the places you have alternate means, it’s wonderful I think people get to places quicker, people are happier, there’s more jobs,” said Hillsborough County resident Angelo Soldati.
Virgin Trains reps say the project will begin imminently, completion is slated for 2020.
