37 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Column in Orlando, FL Sentinel, 5/7/14:

SunRail still can't sell passes online, at kiosks

The realization that SunRail badly misjudged how many people would ride the train, at least while it's free, is an embarrassment.

Late trains make lousy first impressions. That can't be overstated for a rail system sold on convenience and reliability.

Complete column continues.

Yes, it's going to be a huge embarassment if they don't get their act together with the ability to sell and activate passes. It will be reminiscent of the Ventra Card debacle in Chicago. SunRail may even find it necessary to extend the free period beyond the initial 2 weeks only because so many passengers will have been unable to order their passes online or activate them at the station kiosks.

[KevinKorell]

Orlando, FL Sentinel, 5/16/14:

Crowds flock to SunRail for last day of free rides

SunRail's last day of free rides attracted enough passengers to result in numerous standing-room-only train runs on Friday.

More here.

[KevinKorell]

Orlando, FL Sentinel column, 5/14/14:

Buying and managing SunRail fare cards online can be baffling

Given the amount of time SunRail has had, it was reasonable to expect that when online train pass sales finally went live it would be a seamless, intuitive experience.

Complete column continues

[KevinKorell]

Orlando, FL Sentinel poll, 5/15/14:

Has SunRail's rocky rollout soured you on its future?

If we were talking about it now after two years of regular SunRail operations, maybe, but it's only been two weeks. I'll withhold judgment for a while.

More

[KevinKorell]

Orlando, FL Sentinel, 5/15/14:

Big Thunder SunRail: How Orlando's new train is like a theme-park ride

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or communter train -- what's your preference? The bosses sent me out to compare Orlando's new SunRail service, jammed packed with peeps riding for free, with theme-park rides.

You could start your comparison by spelling "commuter" correctly, but really there is no comparision. Theme park rides and COMMUTER rail have vastly different reasons for existing. Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

Orlando, FL Sentinel column, 5/15/14:

Back on I-4 after two weeks on SunRail

I couldn't take the train this morning.

Didn't have the time.

Continue reading complete column.

[pennyk]

Column in Orlando, FL Sentinel, 5/24/14:

SunRail costs plenty, but Roads cost even more

For two glorious weeks, SunRail was the place to be in Central Florida.

Riding was free. And folks flocked to it — including families, commuters and especially retirees, who swarmed the trains as if they were running directly to an early-bird special at Piccadilly.

http://articles.orla...s-sunrail-costs

[KevinKorell]

WMFE Radio, 5/20/14:

Update: 'Decent Start' for First Day of Revenue Service on SunRail

Florida Department of Transportation says passenger boardings were at 4,177 for Monday. Revenue service for Central Florida's commuter rail line started Monday following two weeks of free trips for passengers.

Read