Delays possible as OIA replaces iconic trains

ORLANDO, Fla. — After 35 years of service and traveling millions of miles, the iconic shuttle system at Orlando International Airport is being replaced.

The trains that carry passengers to gates 1-50 will be replaced as part of a $90 million project that should be complete by fall of 2017.

As work on the shuttle system proceeds, OIA warned passengers that there could be delays and they should give themselves extra time to get to their terminals.

The automated people movers currently in place were the vision of John Wycoff, one of the original planners of the airport and former executive director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, OIA said in a release.

“His vision was that the airport should set the stage for the visitor’s experience to the excitement of Orlando,” the release said.

With all the rides in and around Orlando, the airport’s shuttles are the first children experience, which is something special, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority COO Stan Thornton said.

“When I see a parent lean down and tell their child that they are about to take their first ride in Orlando, I can’t help but smile and think that John Wycoff has achieved his vision,” he said. “It’s time to retire the original APM cars and bring in the next generation that will continue to provide that wow moment in welcoming visitors to Orlando.”

The new, one-of-a-kind trains were built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry.

The new trains will be installed one at a time so passengers will still have a way to get from the main terminal to the affected departure gates.

The existing trains have traveled 2.8 million miles in their 35 years, enough to make six round trips to the moon, OIA said.

Cox Media Group