Since its inception, there’s been a lot of news, both good and bad, about the Brightline Train. The only privately owned and operated passenger railroad, Brightline, recently launched in South Florida and is giving riders a new way to get to their favorite cities and not have to deal with traffic. Here’s what all the buzz is about.
Available Cities
South Florida is full of construction. A simple trip from West Palm Beach down to Fort Lauderdale for the day can become a traffic nightmare. The Brightline gives individuals a way to travel between these two cities without the headache. The average time it takes to go from one city to another on the Brightline is just about 40 minutes. In the future there are plans for it to travel to both Miami and Orlando.
What It’s Like
For travelers that are used to traveling on other commuter trains like TriRail, they are in for a surprise. On the Brightline passengers can enjoy racks to put their bikes on, wireless internet that’s free and leather seats to relax in. There are also power outlets and USB ports at each seat to charge electronics. Restrooms are also onboard and snacks and drinks are included with some fares. Unlike other trains, or even some flights, passengers won’t feel crowded. Each train has been designed with wider aisles and plenty of space for passengers to maneuver around the train without bumping into one another.
Tickets
There are a few different ticket options available. The most basic one is “Smart Service” for $10. For $15 passengers can purchase “Select Service” tickets where beverages and snacks are included. There are also discounts available for seniors, veterans and activity military personnel.
In the future the train service could be expanded to Tampa or Jacksonville. There are also talks of it being replicated in states like Texas or Georgia. The railroad is expected to expand to Miami by the end of 2018 and then to Orlando in the next few years. The train currently runs 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 7 days a week. This includes 10 round trips on the weekdays and 9 round trips on the weekends. Tickets can be purchased online, through Brightline’s mobile app or at a Brightline railway station.
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