Brightline Sets Service Resumption Date

Brightline will restore service on its 67-mile line between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 8, offering new fare options and amenities, the private-sector passenger rail operator reported on Oct. 20.

Brightline President Patrick Goddard in August announced that service would resume in the first half of November, following its suspension on March 25, 2020, due to the pandemic. During that announcement, he said Brightline and host freight railroad Florida East Coast were working with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to commission and certify a PTC (Positive Train Control) system.

Starting Oct. 20, riders will be able to purchase tickets and book future travel through Brightline’s new website and mobile app, which is available for download in Google Play and the Apple Store. In addition, Brightline will offer special ticket promotions, including a free first ride when riders sign up for a free Brightline account. (That offer ends Dec. 31, 2021.)

Brightline is also offering new door-to-door service, Brightline+, giving customers the option to book together train tickets and a shared or private ride to “seamlessly” travel to and from stations. They will be able to plan trips using public transit, Citibikes, scooters and shuttles, as well, reported Brightline, which added that it is “working on partnering with local public transportation agencies to integrate connectivity” between transportation modes in the near future.

Riders will find upgraded food and beverage options at stations, too. Brightline said MiamiCentral will house the Citizens Culinary Center with C3 by sbe’s restaurant offerings.

In other developments, construction on Brightline’s Phase 2, 170-mile extension to Orlando is slated to be complete by the end of 2022, according to the passenger rail operator. And the first of five new trainsets from Siemens Mobility arrived at Brightline’s Running Repair Facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Oct. 14.