BARTOW, FL — A high-speed passenger rail station may be coming to Polk County as transportation officials begin a new study exploring potential station locations along the Interstate 4 corridor, potentially connecting the county to Florida’s expanding passenger rail network.
According to the Polk Transportation Planning Organization, the I-4 Passenger Rail Station Study officially began Wednesday, October 21, and will evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of establishing a passenger rail station in Polk County.
The study comes as Brightline currently operates high-speed passenger rail service between Orlando International Airport and Miami, with discussions underway about a possible westward expansion toward Tampa.
Polk TPO Executive Director Ryan Kordek said the county wants to be prepared as passenger rail discussions continue across Central Florida.
“Passenger rail service is developing across the state of Florida. Brightline is currently operating between Orlando International Airport and Miami and there are talks on expansion westward. Hillsborough County has already conducted their study and identified potential rail station locations, and we want to ensure Polk County is prepared if a possible station is considered for our region,” Kordek said.
To support the study, Polk TPO has established a Technical Advisory Group consisting of county officials, transportation experts and community representatives.
The group will help identify potential station locations while evaluating accessibility, connections to other transportation systems, surrounding development and amenities that could benefit future passengers.
Polk County residents will also have an opportunity to help determine whether a passenger rail station becomes part of the county’s transportation future.
Transportation officials are encouraging residents and visitors to participate in an online survey designed to measure public interest in passenger rail service, travel needs and preferred station amenities.
The survey is available in English and Spanish at https://www.research.net/r/PolkTPOi-4.
Kordek emphasized that public participation will be important in evaluating demand for high-speed passenger rail service in Polk County.
“The study will position Polk County to be ready if a passenger rail line is developed along the I-4 corridor. Completing this research now will allow the TPO to present data-driven information to potential passenger rail providers as planning discussions advance,” Kordek said.
The first phase of the study will focus on identifying potential station locations. The second phase will examine environmental considerations, land development opportunities, technical requirements and public feedback before developing a shortlist of recommended sites.
The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Officials emphasized that the study is intended to prepare Polk County for potential future passenger rail service. No station location has been selected, and construction or service has not been approved.
Residents can learn more about the project by visiting the “Polk TPO I-4 Passenger Rail Station Study website” (https://polktpo.com/plans-and-projects/passenger-rail-service/i-4-passenger-rail-station-study/).
SOURCE: Polk Transportation Planning Organization
