Soto Hosts Press Conference to Highlight Benefits of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Public Transportation

KISSIMMEE, FL – On Friday, January 7, 2022,Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) hosted a press conference with Commissioners Viviana Janer and Mayra Uribe to speak about the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and highlight the need for increased public transportation funding for Central Florida. The three rode the SunRail from Kissimmee to the press conference in Downtown Orlando to promote their efforts to seek federal funds to increase rail service to weekends. As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Florida will receive funds to upgrade roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, improve public transportation options, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs.

"As the representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District, I am constantly having conversations with constituents and other elected officials about the need for increased public transportation options in Central Florida," said Congressman Darren Soto. "As we work with the Biden Administration and Congress to Build Back Better, a major portion of our focus has been on reinforcing existing structures to ensure that they continue serving the community for years to come. Expanding SunRail to other parts of Florida and increasing service would allow Floridians to depend on the rail to get around and help the state create jobs."

Before the event, Congressman Soto sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg requesting their consideration for a federal ridership survey to expand SunRail services to include weekends.

"As you are undoubtedly aware, Florida has seen massive growth over the past decade. According to the U. S Census Bureau, Central Florida is the state's fastest-growing region," wrote Soto. "Unsurprisingly, this growth places a strain on our existing infrastructure. Federal investment into SunRail would help connect Central Floridians to better-paying jobs, alleviate traffic for millions of commuters, promote commerce in the region, and improve the quality of life of our constituents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties."

If the federal survey results are positive, Florida will have the opportunity to apply for funds through SunRail to secure additional trains needed to make weekend service a reality.

For the full text of the letter, please click here.

To view photos from the event, please click here.

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