Universal Orlando Resort has officially opened a bidding process for what could become a major new underground transportation system linking its upcoming Epic Universe theme park with the rest of the Universal Orlando Resort. This marks the first concrete step toward a long‑rumoured tunnel‑based transit network.

What Universal Is Proposing

According to bid documents released by Universal’s Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District, the company is soliciting proposals from firms to:

•             Design, build, operate, and maintain a new point‑to‑point transportation system

•             Provide a long‑term 25‑year operating agreement

•             Potentially construct underground tunnels as part of the system

The project is intended to connect Epic Universe—located several miles south of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure—with the existing resort area.

Why a Tunnel?

The documents follow months of speculation about Universal exploring a partnership with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company, which specialises in underground transit tunnels.

Rumours intensified after reports that Universal was evaluating a “Loop‑style” system similar to the Boring Company’s Las Vegas tunnels.

Bid Process Details

•             The request covers design, construction, operations, and maintenance

•             The system is described as an “innovative transportation project”

•             Maps in the documents show a 4–5 mile route with multiple potential stations

What the System Might Look Like

While Universal has not confirmed the final technology, the options being explored include:

•             Underground tunnels

•             Autonomous electric vehicles

•             A “Loop‑style” system similar to Las Vegas

•             A fully enclosed, weather‑protected transit corridor

The goal is to replace or supplement the current bus‑only connection between Epic Universe and the main resort.

Why It Matters

Epic Universe is expected to draw millions of visitors annually. The new transit system would:

•             Reduce road congestion

•             Provide a faster, more reliable link between parks

•             Potentially become a signature infrastructure project for the resort

•             Future‑proof transportation as Universal continues expanding