One of the best parts of my job is getting the chance to ride SunRail, talking to our customers to learn what they like most about our system and areas where they want to see improvement.
Last week, I rode between Sanford to Sand Lake Road. It always strikes me just how many ways (and for how many reasons) people are riding SunRail and the different types of jobs our customers have. As a commuter train, our main purpose is to assist people in getting to work more efficiently. So, when I met Jonathan, an Orlando Magic employee riding to Church Street Station from Poinciana, I was intrigued to hear how his commute was going now that SunRail has expanded to serve the area near his home. He shared that last season, his first with the Orlando Magic, his commute was stressful and time-consuming. This season, he has been riding SunRail, which he said saves him time and has drastically reduced his stress. Now, he gets to work happy. Of course, this kind of feedback is what SunRail is all about.
I also met Laurie, who was just finishing her first day at Florida Hospital as a volunteer in the Women’s hospital. It wasn’t her first time riding SunRail, but it was her first commute. She shared that she was able to take the position because she could use SunRail for transportation.
Eduardo was on his way home from school at Valencia College. He rides SunRail into Winter Park and walks to campus.
Leisure travelers were also riding the train that day, like Suzanne and Jerry, a retired couple who had ridden SunRail from Poinciana to DeBary. They had never been all the way north on the line, so they decided to go that day, and turn back around to go home. They shared with me all the reasons they love SunRail, and enjoy riding to try new things and see new places. The couple says their next two trips will be to Sanford to use the free trolley into Historic Downtown Sanford, and to Winter Park to see the tree lighting ceremony in Central Park next month.
November and December are full of special events, providing us all a lot of leisure riding opportunities. I hope you will hop on board and join us on SunRail this Fall!
~ Nicola