MCO GATE LINK VEHICLE PHOTO VIA ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Orlando International Airport (Website) is asking the public what should become of its retiring Gate Link trains, saying it is exploring ways to “preserve, repurpose, and reimagine” parts of the vehicles.
As the airport’s longtime Gate Link vehicles begin to retire, MCO says it has heard from a lot of people who want one. The release says social media comments, messages, phone calls and conversations show strong interest, with some people asking for a piece of a train and others for an entire car to display in their backyard.
Despite the influx of thirsty messages, the airport hasn’t said what it plans to do with the trains. “For now, we’re keeping a few things behind the platform screen doors,” say MCO staff, adding that they’re still in the planning stages.
Residents can submit ideas through an online form, which can be found HERE. MCO says it wants suggestions that are practical, nostalgic, or “completely ridiculous.”
The announcement follows the launch of upgraded Gate Link service to Gates 100 through 129, which MCO celebrated on October 1. That service is part of the $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project, which will replace four aging Gate Link trains and their supporting systems with new vehicles and infrastructure. The Gate Link carries passengers between Terminals A and B and Gates 70 through 129.
Crews will next upgrade the second track serving Gates 100 through 129, then move to Gates 70 through 99. No dates have been announced. The airport’s capital program is estimated at $6.9 billion.
Passengers can see inside the new Gate Link cars on MCO’s YouTube channel.
