South Florida’s much anticipated Brightline has hit the tracks. After much hulaballo, America’s first new private passenger railway in a century, is on a roll. Higer-speed Brightline trains race between the new MiamiCentral transportation hub and West Palm Beach via Fort Lauderdale in barely an hour. And construction has already begun on a second leg that will take Brightline Trains clear to Orlando.
The nation’s first new private passenger rail system in 100 years has launched Florida’s rail future. By 2020, Brightline’s higher-speed (average 80 mph / 129 km/h) trains, comparable to existing Acela Express between Washington and Boston, are expected to connect Orlando International Airport and Miami in around three hours — compared to four hours by car. Current service, between West Palm and the Magic City, clocks in at around an hour.
Brightline’s origins can be traced to the 19th century. The new line’s parent, All Aboard Florida, is a subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, heir to the historic Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) which rail tycoon Henry S. Flagler connected to Biscayne Bay, the present Miami, in 1896. Brightline’s MiamiCentral stands on the site of the original FEC station which was torn down in 1962.
In the decades since, pickings have been slim. Amtrak’s two daily round-trips between Orlando and its creepy, isolated Miami station can take up to eight hours. South Florida’s Tri-Rail line offers Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm travelers all the ambience of New Jersey Transit albeit with palm tree views.
Brightline looks to be a game changer. The new line will ultimately bring fast service to nine million South Floridians and tens of millions of tourists.
Spacious coaches feature reclining, leather-upholstered seats, free WiFi, and power/USB connections. “Select Class” perks include complimentary food and beverages. All trains and stations are fully ADA-accessible. Bikes and pets are welcome. MiamiCentral features Metrorail and downtown Metromover connections and a range of dining options and shops. All stations have local transit and Lyft rideshare connections.
Brightline trains are powered by reduced-noise, low-emission biodiesel engines. Trains are expected to take three million vehicles off Florida roads, reducing highway congestion, pollution, and the state’s carbon footprint. The service is already a catalyst for economic growth, creating thousands of new jobs and spurring new business development. Brightline is American-made and 100% Buy America-compliant.
In the months and years ahead, eyes across the country will be on the Brightline. Urban planners, transit experts, and industry leaders, including high-speed rail developers in California and Texas, will be analyzing, and evaluating the new service. Professionals and rail fans alike will be waiting to see if privately-owned passenger rail can find its place in America’s 21st century transportation strategy.
