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SkyConnect is the name of Tampa International Airport's people mover

A 3D model of a train car featuring the image of a Great Egret was presented during an unveiling of the plans for the automated people mover on Thursday March 24, 2016, at Tampa International Airport. 


MONICA HERNDON   |   Times
A 3D model of a train car featuring the image of a Great Egret was presented during an unveiling of the plans for the automated people mover on Thursday March 24, 2016, at Tampa International Airport. MONICA HERNDON | Times
Published April 7, 2016

The sleek new silver trains that will shuttle travelers to and from the brand new rental car facility and the main terminal at Tampa International Airport now have a name.

Last month airport officials asked residents to name the new trains, which were detailed to include images of Florida birds. And the people have voted. The train is called SkyConnect.

Forty-five percent of votes favored SkyConnect ahead of other possible monikers like Gulf Glider, Florida Flyer and JetStream. A total of 3,870 votes were tallied.

The trains are a key component to the airports $953 million renovation, which includes a 1.4-mile track and a brand new stand alone rental car facility, that will move all rental car companies out of the long term parking garage. The $953 million plan to update the airport is in anticipation of accommodating 35 million passengers each year, or doubling the annual amount seen in 2013. It's the first major addition to the airport since the terminal was built in 1971.

The people mover is expected to be completed and running by late next year.