SunRail’s DeLand station celebrates grand opening
Steven Wease was one of the SunRail fans in attendance at the DeLand SunRail station’s grand opening ceremony on Friday.
With three bells ringing and confetti cannons firing, a crowd of well over 250 people celebrated the opening of the DeLand SunRail station on Friday. It is the third and final construction phase of the railway system in Central Florida, which began operations in 2014.
SunRail’s DeLand station at 2491 Old New York Ave. will open for service on Monday, August 12, but community members and state and local officials gathered for a grand opening ceremony a few days earlier.
They included some of the many people who have had significant influence on SunRail’s development over the years, including former Congressman John Mica and representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation.
“I know many of you have been looking forward to this day for a long time,” John Tyler, secretary of FDOT District 5, told the crowd.
The SunRail station in DeLand is now the northernmost station on the commuter rail system in Central Florida. SunRail connects Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties through 17 stations. Trains run Monday through Friday and ticket prices start at $2 per trip.
Construction costs for the extension from DeBary Station, the only other stop in Volusia, to DeLand were about $42.8 million, according to FDOT.
An early ride from DeBary
Friday’s event began around 9 a.m. when some guests rode the train from the DeBary station to the new station in DeLand.
As passengers disembarked from the train in DeLand, they were greeted by a festive atmosphere. Beneath a large tent set up to protect them from the sun and morning heat, booths offered information about the service and related transportation options such as Votran.
Tyler said authorities are finalizing the establishment of a free shuttle to transport passengers to downtown DeLand and the train station.
“Historic event”
Speakers included FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue, Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower and DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman.
Because ecotourism plays a role in the operation of the new station, water and utility lines were installed for a future trailhead as part of West Volusia’s growing trail system.
“Bicycles are welcome on SunRail. It allows cyclists to easily ride into downtown DeLand and use the bike lanes near the station,” Tyler said.
Brower also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, a coalition of local governments that is gradually assuming responsibility for SunRail’s operations and costs from FDOT. The commission is currently working with FDOT to operate the system.
“This is a historic event,” Brower said. “And, in fact, trains are a historic event. They are a part of American history. They enabled America to expand. They are … a part of what made us the greatest nation in the world. It was trains that took us west. It was trains that connected cities. And that’s exactly what’s happening here today.”
Brower said he wants Volusia residents to use the train to see more of Central Florida, but he also wants it to boost local tourism.
“I want Orlando and everyone from Central Florida to come here and see what DeLand has to offer. I want you to stop in DeBary,” he said.
Hard work at the DeLand SunRail station
Speakers also talked about the people and partnerships that were critical to making SunRail a reality, including remarks about Mica, who was instrumental in bringing SunRail to Volusia County.
Perdue said he expects SunRail to continue to thrive.
“I know that expanding SunRail to Orlando International Airport is a high priority for the region here and will continue to be so for SunRail in the future. … SunRail has served more than a million passengers per year in its history and will continue to grow and provide a fantastic service to the local communities here,” he said.
Cloudman, the mayor of DeLand, said he looks forward to residents having the opportunity to commute from DeLand and to more visitors coming and exploring the city.
“I want to say how exciting it is that this day is finally here,” he said.
What SunRail passengers can expect in DeLand
Need a ticket? Simply download the SunRail app or purchase a ticket at the kiosk.
Parking at the station is free, with about 100 spaces available. People can use Volusia County’s ride-sharing service VoRide to get to and from the station in DeLand and beyond. VoRide also serves DeBary, Deltona and Orange City.
The trains have toilets and are equipped with free Wi-Fi and workstation seating.
