WKMG Local 6 – All Aboard Florida stop in Port Canaveral?

By Justin Warmoth

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. –All Aboard Florida promises to link Orlando to Miami by rail, but some critics have been trying to derail their plans.

However, something could be changing that could give a big boost to the Space Coast.

Right now the company plans to start at Orlando International Airport, cross to the coast, then travel south down to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami without making any stops in Brevard County.

But Local 6 has learned All Aboard Florida is in talks to add a stop at Port Canaveral.

Canaveral Port Authority CEO John Walsh said talks to have a train station at Port Canaveral are in the beginning stages.

Walsh added having a stop at the port would be huge for local restaurants and shops.

“I would prefer to leave the car in Orlando and come directly by train,” said Scotland native Tom Bruce.

Bruce flew into Orlando International Airport, rented a car, and then drove to Port Canaveral where he boarded a Carnival Cruise ship. He said he wished the process would be easier for him and other tourists visiting the area.

Because All Aboard Florida doesn’t make any stops in Brevard County, residents are upset that their tax dollars are going to a project that doesn’t benefit them directly.

But officials hope a stop at the port could change that opinion.

Local 6 called several taxi and rental car companies and no one would comment on the affect this could have on their business. However, one driver said having a train station at the port would definitely hurt his employer’s bottom line.