TAMPA, Fla. -- Hold on tight, we’re about to take you aboard the brand-new train system at Tampa International Airport.
The SkyConnect’s 1.4-mile track links the main terminal with the airport’s new mega-sized rental car complex.
And by all accounts, it’s quite the ride.
The airport offered dignitaries a VIP preview of the train system Wednesday before it goes public this Valentine’s Day.
“It was great,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “I think it was better than some of those Disney rides.”
The train does feel a little like a roller coaster at some spots. The rapid ride reaches speeds of up to 50 mph.
Gov. Rick Scott, cutting the ribbon on the new SkyConnect system, says it’s an important asset for the Bay area because it helps to attract tourism, big events, new residents and new businesses.
“Just beautiful,” Scott said of the new facility. “I think when people come here they’re going to be really impressed.”
The State of Florida chipped in about half of the $412 million it took to construct the rail system, Including the main terminal and 12 trains.
People who got their first look at the new 2.3 million-square-foot rental car complex say they’re super impressed.
“It’s more spacious. It’s larger, it’s much easier access then how you can currently get in here, which isn’t bad,” said contractor Graham Scaife, “but this is a far bigger improvement.”
It’s all part of a $2.3 billion overhaul at TIA. New restaurants. New stores. A whole new open look that consistently lands them at the top of all sorts of favorite airport lists.
“There’s a lot of options. Places to eat. Places to shop that are actually different,” said passenger Megan Moore.
And even if you don’t need a rental car, there's good news for you too. By moving those operations to the new facility, it will eventually free up about 2,000 long-term parking spaces at the airport’s main terminal, where such parking spots are often at a premium.
