Brightline launches new service connecting South Florida and Orlando.
MIAMI — Brightline, the high-speed rail service, celebrated a major milestone on Friday as its first train departed from South Florida to Orlando. This marked the completion of a massive expansion project that took four years and cost the company a staggering $6 billion.
The inaugural ride to Central Florida began its journey from Miami at 6:50 a.m. with an expected arrival in West Palm Beach at 7:45 a.m. However, an unfortunate Brightline train crash in Delray Beach caused a delay of over an hour. Eventually, the train departed from West Palm Beach at around 9 a.m. en route to Orlando.
The long-awaited service to Orlando commenced with the groundbreaking in June 2019, and test runs began in early 2022. The construction process involved the laying of 170 miles of new track, along with the installation of two million spikes and bolts. Additionally, a new station was built in Orlando, resulting in a total of 235 miles of track between Miami and Orlando.
Traveling from Miami to Orlando will now take approximately three and a half hours, with speeds reaching up to 125 mph. On the other hand, the journey from West Palm Beach to Orlando will take around two hours. The new Orlando stop joins the existing stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. The Orlando station itself is an impressive 40,000-square-foot facility located next to Terminal C at the city’s international airport.
Tickets for a one-way trip between Miami and Orlando will start at $79 for adults and $39 for children. Premium seats will be available at a higher price point of $149 and above. Families of four can also take advantage of bundle options, with prices starting at under $199.
In terms of safety, concerns have been raised regarding the expansion of Brightline service to Central Florida. The Associated Press conducted an analysis of federal data and discovered that Brightline trains have the highest death rate in the U.S., with 98 people being fatally struck since operations began between Miami and West Palm Beach. However, it is important to note that none of these deaths have been attributed to Brightline’s fault.
The expansion has also raised concerns among residents on the Treasure Coast, particularly regarding the impact on the St. Lucie River railroad bridge. Many boaters in Stuart have expressed their displeasure, citing the impediment to their use of the waterway. The duration of the bridge closures has been a contentious issue, but the Coast Guard has updated the schedule to ensure that it remains open, except when a train is crossing or maintenance work is being conducted.
Despite the concerns, Brightline has emphasized its collaboration with the Coast Guard to create a schedule that accommodates all parties involved. Stuart Mayor Troy McDonald has acknowledged the community’s concerns but also commended Brightline for addressing the issues raised. He believes that with ongoing adjustments and efforts, the project will ultimately succeed in providing a new bridge and a reliable transportation option for the region.
Overall, the completion of the Brightline expansion to Orlando marks a significant achievement, offering a faster and more convenient mode of transportation between South and Central Florida. While safety concerns persist, the company’s commitment to addressing these issues and working with local authorities demonstrates their dedication to ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience for passengers.
