The SunRail commuter train's first year of service saw highs and lows, including record ridership and delays from crashes.

SunRail began operations May 1, 2014, with two weeks of free trips.

"I applaud the Central Florida community and the SunRail team on a successful inaugural year," said Jim Boxold, secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation. "We look forward to great things in the future as we continue to work together to meet the needs of the traveling public."

More than 1 million riders have used SunRail over the last 12 months. Currently, there are 12 stations in Volusia, Seminole and Orange counties.

"Without our riders, we wouldn’t be here today," said Noranne Downs, District 5 secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation. "We are thrilled that more than 1 million people in our first year of operation have turned to SunRail and found it to be a cost-effective, efficient and convenient transportation alternative to getting around town."

More than 17,000 passengers rode SunRail on Friday, May 16. Paid service, with fares as low as $2, began May 19.

Following demands for increased service and trains, an additional late-evening train was added to the lineup as a pilot project on Dec. 22.

The Florida Department of Transportation is working with funding partners in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, as well as with the city of Orlando, to explore further service expansions.

"Any great city, any great community, has great public transportation," Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke said. "And we do need to get there if we want to be a vibrant city of the future."

Back in February, three U.S. representatives from Florida went to Washington, D.C., to try to ensure that SunRail's expansion project moves forward. President Barack Obama's budget didn't specifically address the next phase of the commuter train, which would includes adding a station in DeLand (Volusia County) and four more stations to the south, with a final stop in Poinciana (Osceola County).

Clarke said there may be mroe money in the pipeline, but nothing is certain.

"Keeping Orlando moving continues to be a priority for the city of Orlando with SunRail as the backbone of our growing transit system," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said.  

For more information, including the full train schedule, fare options and cost, go to www.SunRail.com.