HenryAlan wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 10:33 am
It's 22.5 track miles from the airport to the curve. I don't think that's close enough to be considered proximate. The idea is to put a station where the train is already running slowly, not where it is on a long straightaway.
I didn't know it was that far. Seemed way closer on a map. That being said, ~20 miles isn't a great distance in the grand scheme of things with how long the Brightline route is.
Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 10:55 am
After my February joyride to Orlando, I have mixed thoughts about having airports becoming rail stations.
On that joyride, I could not help noting how the Brightline station was part of Terminal 3 which is "way out in left field" and is where the collection of "what's that airline" tie up. The route into the main two terminals, where the "airlines you've heard of" all use is well marked but it involves use of a "people mover" - and still a lot of hoofing. From the main terminals, you have the complete last mile infrastructure (rental autos, liveries, transit vans) - including the "peasant mover", which I used to get "downtown for a buck".
Well, Terminal C is brand spanking new, I expect it will get busier and more "well-known" as Orlando continues to grow, and demand at MCO continues to go up.
HenryAlan wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 10:33 am
The return "...mover" also arrived same location. I had plenty of time on my hands, but what if I didn't?
I genuinely think MCO is one of the worst airports ever. First, the people mover situation is a bit ridiculous, why are the boarding terminals so far away from each other that we need a step below a subway for it??? Second, I cannot believe there is only ONE TSA checkpoint in the whole airport. I arrived at the airport 2 hours ahead of time, and still barely made it to my gate 5 minutes before the gates closed due to all the nonsense there.
Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 10:55 am
It just seemed like a lot of "rigamoreole" to board a train - that is for a rail only passenger. However, I look to the day when Brightline offers joint ticketing and baggage transfer with airlines making a, say, LGA-MCO-Vero Beach journey possible.
So what's first; the ease of access with a train station or the infrastructure only an airport can be expected to have?
You can get dropped off at Terminal C by rideshare or Taxi or whatever, and go straight to the train station without having to go through the other terminal(s) first. Very easy, but I do not know/think if they have bus options there... Surely, when/if SunRail connects to Terminal C, it will make the experience better
I think airport terminus for trains makes sense, since it makes the train more competitive with airlines (especially between Miami and Orlando).