By Jim Carchidi
September 30, 2026
Orange County will explore a funding plan for public transportation expansions in eight high-traffic areas, but the process is just beginning. Supporters of the Sunshine Transit Advancement Resolution (STAR) mounted a months-long campaign that culminated with a feasibility study request during Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Service
A map by Sunrise Movement Orlando shows STAR routes along the eight corridors.
STAR outlines the framework and funding for rapid transit options, including rail and dedicated bus routes, in the following corridors:
- Colonial Drive
- Semoran Boulevard
- International Drive
- Kirkman Road
- Silver Star Road
- Orange Blossom Trail
- The 16-mile Brightline/SunRail connector, aka Sunshine Corridor
Funding
According to the plan, specific transit modes would be decided by studies and resident feedback. A 25-year funding plan would earmark revenue from future property tax increases in each corridor. And funding would be managed by a citizen-led committee to ensure transparency.
Support and concerns
Members of STAR plan founding organization Sunrise Movement Orlando have hosted eight town halls and collected over 3,200 signatures in support of the effort. More than 90 minutes of public comments at Tuesday's county board meeting included several STAR proponents.
Commissioners each voiced support and some concern over funding needs, and whether the proposed method will suffice. District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero noted the plan did not extend into her district and was curious what would happen if some corridors could not support the plan.
Mayor Jerry Demings said a multimodal transit system is necessary and was encouraged by the volume of resident support. But said a citizen-led funding management committee would contrast with state law, which dictates county taxes must be managed by county commissioners.
District 5 Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad brought the plan forward for discussion, touting the benefits while acknowledging the current plan was a first step that will require modifications. “This is not an overnight thing, we have to start somewhere,” she said.
Immediate benefits
Sunrise Movement Orlando Hub Coordinator Giancarlo Rodriguez said all districts would be part of the conversation and funding would also include federal and state grants. He added that funding would provide increased frequency in existing SunRail and Lynx service, even before expanded routes were added. “It could build that trust with the community that we’re serious about building public transportation in these eight corridors.”
What’s next
The Board of County Commissioners reached a consensus on the need for a STAR feasibility study, directing staff to begin researching the requirements and cost. A budget amendment will be required to pay for a study since funding was not included for the next fiscal year. The next round of feasibility study discussions will be held in January, after new county board members are seated.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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