We’ve got some good news about the Brightline train that’ll soon connect Miami to Orlando.
©Brightline
We’ve been sharing updates about the train for a WHILE including its construction progress, the potential station “near” Disney World still in the works, the release of tickets for service this summer, and more. But now we’ve got some especially good news.
According to the Orlando Business Journal, things are looking good for the Brightline train’s expected start of service between Miami and Orlando this summer. Why? Well, that’s because construction on the extension of the train’s line between South Florida and Orlando is essentially complete. Specifically, the “completion of substantial construction of the 170-mile corridor” has been announced.
©Brightline
To celebrate this big milestone, Brightline is hosting a “Bright Spike” ceremony and mayoral roundtable at its Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal Facility on Wednesday, June 21st. The mayoral roundtable is expected to focus on the future of transportation within the state of Florida.
According to the Orlando Business Journal, because Brightline has hit this milestone it means “service should be on target to start later this summer.” That’s great news! But there’s still work to be done and hurdles to overcome, like safety certifications and a sign-off from the Federal Railroad Administration, so it isn’t over yet.
©Brightline via The Orlando Sentinel
Tickets for the Brightline service between South Florida and Orlando are already available for dates starting September 1st. BUT Brightline has said that service should begin sooner and it’ll add those tickets to the site for purchase once they’re closer to the actual start date of its inaugural rides.
©Brightline
Once the train service begins, there will be 16 daily round trips offering departures hourly between Miami and Orlando. Here’s a look at those schedules.
©Brightline
The tickets are advertised with restricted one-way SMART fares starting at $79 and one-way PREMIUM fares starting at $149. For larger groups and families of four, SMART fare bundles will be available for less than $199 one-way.
©Brightline
Once fully open, the Brightline station in the Orlando Airport will have a new bar, retail store, and play area. There will be two train platforms, two lounges, and much more!
©Brightline via The Orlando Sentinel
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings noted that the station will be the foundation for a transit system that is eventually planned to connect to more spots through Orlando and beyond. Currently, the plan to connect the Brightline train through more of Orlando is part of the Sunshine Corridor strategy which would have the train share some of the SunRail train route and make a spot at the Orange County Convention Center. A potential stop near Disney World has also been discussed, and then the plan would be for the train to continue on to Tampa (eventually). Things with that plan are still very much in the works.
© Orlando Business Journal
But it’s not all good news for Brightline. Recently it was revealed that a plan from the U.S. Coast Guard involving a rail drawbridge could impact Brightline’s trains in Florida. The opening of a certain drawbridge could cause delays for trains that may last up to an hour. And Brightline has noted that it could cause passenger service to drop by 50%.
©Brightline
We’ll keep an eye out for more updates about the train and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for more news!
Click here to see INSIDE the Brightline Train Station at the Airport!
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I would love to ride the Brightline train but considering I’m at the Cocoa Tunnel I can’t. Oh well.
As to the CG holdup the Big Guy needs his cut before they can go into business.