ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Supporters of the proposed STAR transit plan gathered outside the Orange County Administration Building on Tuesday ahead of a county commission meeting, where the transportation initiative was scheduled for discussion.
Community leaders and advocates spoke at the rally, urging county leaders to move forward with plans that supporters say could improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion along some of the county’s busiest roadways.
The STAR plan was created by Sunrise Movement and would focus on eight major transportation corridors, including Colonial Drive, Semoran Boulevard, International Drive and Orange Blossom Trail. The proposal calls for more frequent transit service and dedicated travel lanes designed to keep riders and traffic moving more efficiently.
Depending on the corridor, transportation improvements could include enhanced bus service, light rail, or heavy rail options.
Backers of the initiative are proposing the use of tax increment financing, or TIF, to help fund the project. TIF is a financing mechanism used by local governments that relies on future increases in property tax revenue to pay for infrastructure projects and other improvements upfront.
Supporters say the expanded transit network could be especially beneficial for hospitality workers who often travel long distances between their homes and jobs in the tourism corridor.
“Years ago, before I lived where I lived now, I lived in Apopka,” said Ryan Myers of Unite Here Local 362. “That could take an hour and a half to get to work. We have workers all over. We’ve got workers in Seminole County who go and work at Disney.”
Advocates argue that improving public transportation could shorten commute times and provide more reliable travel options for workers across Central Florida.
The proposal remains in its early stages. Orange County commissioners were expected to consider authorizing a feasibility study to determine whether the transit system would be practical and effective for the county.
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