Brightline begins service between Orlando and Miami
From David Volz
Brightline’s passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami. The first train, Bright Pink, arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m. and was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. The celebration put an exclamation point on a significant private infrastructure project in the nation and marks the revitalization of Henry Flagler’s original vision for the Florida East Coast Railway. Brightline’s launch is poised to reinvent train travel in America and offers a blueprint to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive.
The beginning of the service was celebrated at the Brightline Orlando Station with guests who joined Brightline’s Founder Wes Edens, CEO Mike Reininger and President Patrick Goddard. Upon the train’s arrival, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer greeted guests on the platform and presented the Key to the City to Edens who was joined by Reininger, Goddard and other Brightline representatives. Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority and more, were present to greet the first train.
Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. Construction on its 170 mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019. The $6 billion project has generated substantial economic benefits in Florida creating 10,000 jobs and approximately $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the region. Construction teams worked more than seven million hours over the course of four years to complete the project.
Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between 3 and 3.5 hours depending on South Florida station stops.
Brightline has quickly become known for its guest experience, innovative station design, spacious lounges and comfortable train sets. Designed by The Rockwell Group, and set with Brightline’s signature yellow, the stations are meticulously built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. All stations and trains are packed with amenities including Starlink Wifi, chargers and outlets at every seat, and a selection of food, beverage and cocktails available for purchase for SMART and complimentary for PREMIUM. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of light bites, beverages and cocktails throughout the day at one of Brightline’s signature in-station Mary Mary Bars or pick up last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments at one of the MRKT shopping retail locations.
The new Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health, is located at MCO’s 37,350 square foot Train Station adjacent to its new Terminal C. This is the only intercity passenger rail station of its kind to be located in a U.S. airport and stands three-stories tall, including a 72,000 square feet platform area, making it the company’s largest train station. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces marked for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes.
MiamiCentral is strategically located on an 11-acre complex in downtown Miami and represents Brightline’s southern flagship terminus. MiamiCentral is a unique live-work-play destination featuring luxury rental residences, commercial offices and dynamic retail and entertainment space. Guest’s looking to connect have a number of options including Brightline+, the Miami Metromover and Metrorail which are both connected to the station.
Brightline trainsets were made in partnership with Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, Calif. The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture trainset exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.
