Universal Just Opened Bidding for a $75 Million Transportation System to Connect Epic Universe—And It Could Be Underground

Universal Orlando is done with buses being the only way to get between Epic Universe and the rest of the resort. According to Chip and Company, the company has officially opened bidding for a massive transportation project that could completely change how guests move around Universal Orlando—and it might involve tunnels.

A 25-Year Contract for “Future-Ready” Transportation

Universal’s Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District opened official bidding for what they’re calling a “point-to-point” transportation system connecting Epic Universe (which sits about three miles away from the main resort) to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the surrounding properties.

This isn’t a small project. Companies bidding on the contract need to demonstrate they can handle a $75 million bonding capacity, have experience with major infrastructure projects, and be ready to commit to a 25-year agreement that includes designing, building, operating, and maintaining the entire system.

Bidding closed on October 1, and proposals are still under review. Universal hasn’t selected a firm yet, but the next public meeting where the project might be discussed is scheduled for January 14.

Why This Matters

Right now, if you want to visit Epic Universe and then head over to the main Universal Orlando Resort, you’re taking a bus. That’s it. And while buses work, they’re not exactly the seamless, immersive experience Universal is known for.

This new transportation system—whatever form it takes—is being described as “future-ready,” which suggests Universal is thinking well beyond standard shuttles. The official documents don’t specify what technology will be used, leaving the door open for everything from sleek elevated transit to something far more ambitious.

Could This Be an Underground Tunnel?

Here’s where it gets interesting: rumors have been swirling for months that Universal has been in talks with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company about building an underground tunnel system. While those rumors remain unconfirmed and The Boring Company isn’t named in the bidding documents, the timing and scale of this project certainly align with that kind of vision.

An underground system would solve a lot of logistical challenges—no traffic, no weather delays, no need to navigate through crowded resort areas. It would also be a serious flex, turning what’s currently a mundane bus ride into a legitimate attraction in its own right.

What Happens Next

Universal is looking for an “aggressive but realistic” timeline, which suggests they want this done sooner rather than later. The 25-year contract means whoever wins this bid will be locked in for the long haul, responsible not just for building the system but keeping it running for decades.

With Epic Universe already open and drawing crowds, the pressure is on to deliver a transportation solution that matches the scale and ambition of the park itself. Whether it’s tunnels, elevated rails, or something we haven’t even thought of yet, one thing is clear: Universal is done settling for buses.

We’ll be watching to see who wins the contract—and what they plan to build.