Brightline

File:Logo All Aboard Florida.svg

In 2012, All Aboard Florida, a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries (FECI), announced plans to operate passenger rail service between Miami and Orlando.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2012 |title=All Aboard Florida plan announced |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/all-aboard-florida-plan-announced.html |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=Railway Gazette |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117133426/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/all-aboard-florida-plan-announced.html |url-status=dead }} The construction was projected at the time to be $1.5 billion.{{Cite news |last=Roach |first=Emily |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Quiet zones plans for FEC tracks get boost, as All Aboard Florida picks up costs for some safety upgrades |work=The Palm Beach Post |publisher=Cox Media Group |url=https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/quiet-zones-plans-for-fec-tracks-get-boost-all-aboard-florida-picks-costs-for-some-safety-upgrades/PK5rEYnf9eMDDPQMAqlIhK/ |url-status=dead |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117190847/https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/quiet-zones-plans-for-fec-tracks-get-boost-all-aboard-florida-picks-costs-for-some-safety-upgrades/PK5rEYnf9eMDDPQMAqlIhK/ |archive-date=January 17, 2018}} In March 2013, All Aboard Florida applied for a $1.6 billion Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan, which was administered by the Federal Railroad Administration,{{Cite web |last=Tracy |first=Dan |date=March 18, 2013 |title=All Aboard Florida seeks federal loan |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2013/03/18/all-aboard-florida-seeks-federal-loan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008234519/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-03-18/news/os-train-loan-feds-20130318_1_federal-loan-largest-loan-loan-repayment |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=March 23, 2013 |publisher=Orlando Sentinel}} and in late 2014, the company applied for a $1.75 billion private activity bond allocation, with proceeds from the bond sale substantially reducing or replacing entirely the amount of the RRIF loan request.{{Cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Kimberly |last2=Sorentrue |first2=Jennifer |date=October 8, 2014 |title=All Aboard Florida shocker: Rail seeks private financing |work=The Palm Beach Post |publisher=Cox Media Group |url=https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/all-aboard-florida-shocker-rail-seeks-private-financing/zZiypzH2JQBO1PyaBgc2bK/ |url-status=dead |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222165508/https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/all-aboard-florida-shocker-rail-seeks-private-financing/zZiypzH2JQBO1PyaBgc2bK/ |archive-date=February 22, 2018}}

The company received a Finding of No Significant Impact from the Federal Railroad Administration in January 2013, effectively clearing way for work to begin between Miami and West Palm Beach.{{Cite news |date=July 9, 2014 |title=High-speed rail service heads south |work=Florida Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2014/07/08/all-aboard-florida-only-to-serve-south-florida-to-start/12357161/}} The Final Environmental Impact Statement was released on August 4, 2015.{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2015 |title=All Aboard Florida Final Environmental Impact Statement |url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L16955/ |website=Federal Railroad Administration}} By the beginning of 2015, the company had started site work at the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations, plus right-of-way improvements along stretches of the corridor. On November 10, 2015, All Aboard Florida announced that the service would operate under the name Brightline.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2015 |title=All Aboard Florida unveils branding of its rail service |url=https://therealdeal.com/miami/2015/11/09/all-aboard-florida-unveils-branding-of-its-rail-service/ |access-date=November 10, 2015 |website=The Real Deal Miami}}

Service between Miami and West Palm Beach began on May 19, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Roustan |first=Wayne K. |date=May 19, 2018 |title=All aboard as Brightline launches fast train service to Miami |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-reg-brightline-miami-begins-20180518-story.html |access-date=May 20, 2018 |publisher=Sun-Sentinel}}{{Cite web |last=Jacoby |first=Kenny |date=May 19, 2018 |title=Brightline's inaugural West Palm-to-Miami trip draws crowd, celebration |url=https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/local/brightline-inaugural-west-palm-miami-trip-draws-crowd-celebration/Rdh1hKEqX7LRc6yJaD9WwK/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521105934/https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/local/brightline-inaugural-west-palm-miami-trip-draws-crowd-celebration/Rdh1hKEqX7LRc6yJaD9WwK/ |archive-date=May 21, 2018 |access-date=May 20, 2018 |website=The Palm Beach Post |publisher=GateHouse Media}}

In September 2018, Brightline acquired XpressWest, a private company that intends to connect Las Vegas, Nevada with Southern California via Victorville, California. Brightline announced the intent of purchasing 38 acres of land near the Las Vegas Strip for a station and following the Interstate 15 corridor from Las Vegas to Southern California.{{Cite press release |title=Brightline to Build Express Intercity Passenger Rail Connecting Southern California and Las Vegas |date=September 18, 2018 |publisher=Brightline |url=http://press.gobrightline.com/showPressRelease/100055086 |access-date=September 18, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918231303/http://press.gobrightline.com/showPressRelease/100055086 |archive-date=September 18, 2018}}

Two key counties on the coastal route north of the West Palm Beach station have, for various reasons, been fighting the extension of the rail line through Martin and Indian River Counties in court. One of their objections is that Brightline is owned by a private corporation, so they should not be allowed to issue tax-exempt bonds as if they were a municipality. On December 24, 2018, after four years of legal battles,{{Cite web |last=Broadt |first=Lisa |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Brightline spending reaches $7.2 million in Martin, Indian River counties, but for what? |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2018/11/02/brightline-spending-reaches-7-2-million-martin-indian-river/1807223002/ |access-date=November 12, 2018 |publisher=TCPalm (Treasure Coast Newspapers)}} a Federal District Judge threw out a suit by Indian River County that claimed the U.S. Department of Transportation improperly approved the bond allocation, clearing the way for construction of the new rail corridor through the Treasure Coast and Space Coast.{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Arnie |date=December 25, 2018 |title=Judge tosses out Indian River County's lawsuit against All Aboard Florida |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/growth/2018/12/25/indian-river-lawsuit-dismissed/2411193002/ |website=TCPalm}}{{Cite web |last=Sigo |first=Shelly |date=December 26, 2018 |title=Florida's Brightline clears legal hurdle, gets financing extension |url=https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/floridas-brightline-clears-federal-legal-hurdle |website=Bond Buyer}}{{cite court|litigants=Indian River County v. U.S. Department of Transportation|vol=348|reporter=F.Supp.3d|opinion=17|date=2018|court=D.D.C.|url=https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=16227323432288499463}} On October 5, 2020, the US Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal of that decision, ending Indian River County's efforts to stymie development. The county's efforts at a Supreme Court hearing were financed with over $200,000 in private donations in addition to over $4 million in County funds.{{Cite web |last=Soloman |first=Joshua |date=October 5, 2020 |title=U.S. Supreme Court won't hear Indian River County's appeal of Brightline lawsuit |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2020/10/05/u-s-supreme-court-wont-hear-appeal-indian-river-countys-brightline-appeal/3624678001/ |website=TCPalm}}

In April 2019, the company secured $1.75 billion in funding for the Orlando extension and said construction would begin right away.{{Cite web |last=Forester |first=Thomas |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Brightline secures funding to Orlando, plans to open Walt Disney World station |url=http://cbs12.com/news/local/brightline-secures-funding-to-orlando |website=WPEC}}{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=David |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains lines up funding for expansion to Orlando |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-bz-branson-virgin-trains-launch-20190404-story.html |website=Sun Sentinel}}{{Cite web |last=Wile |first=Rob |date=April 19, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains finally set to launch construction of West Palm Beach-to-Orlando link |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article229459199.html |website=Miami Herald}}

In November 2018, it was announced that Virgin Group would become a minority investor in the railroad and would provide rights to rebrand the service as Virgin Trains USA.{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Howard |date=November 16, 2018 |title=Brightline forms a partnership with Virgin. A name change is coming soon. |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article221761710.html |website=Miami Herald}} However, in August 2020, railroad managers announced that Virgin had not provided the agreed investment money and the company would be ending its branding deal, returning to the previous Brightline brand.{{Cite web |last=Levin |first=Jonathan |date=August 7, 2020 |title=Florida Luxury Train Cuts Branson Ties, Drops Virgin Name |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-07/brightline-to-drop-virgin-branding-end-branson-relationship |website=Bloomberg Media}}{{Cite web |last=Ohnsman |first=Alan |date=August 7, 2020 |title=High-Speed Rail Startup Brightline Ends Alliance With Richard Branson's Virgin |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/08/07/high-speed-rail-startup-brightline-ends-alliance-with-richard-bransons-virgin/ |access-date=August 10, 2020 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Katie |date=August 11, 2020 |title=Brightline Trains Ends Partnership With Richard Branson's Virgin Group |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/08/11/brightline-trains-ends-partnership-with-richard-bransons-virgin-group/ |access-date=September 9, 2020 |website=WFOR-TV}} In March 2021, Virgin sued Brightline for $251.3 million because of the broken contract.{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=David |date=March 8, 2021 |title=Virgin sues Brightline for $251.3 million over marketing divorce |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-coronavirus-virgin-sues-brightline-20210308-niq6ezxik5hiplowbz2e7sexz4-story.html |access-date=March 17, 2021 |website=sun-sentinel.com}}{{Cite web |last=Burroughs |first=David |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Virgin sues Brightline for $US 251.3m over naming contract |url=https://www.railjournal.com/financial/virgin-sues-brightline-for-us-251-5m-over-naming-contract/ |access-date=March 17, 2021 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en}} In October 2023, Virgin won the lawsuit and the judge awarded Virgin $115 million in damages.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/london-judge-brightline-owes-115m-damages-richard-bransons-virgin-group/OOW7AUEX4ZCPZCOEXDRFSRGPV4/|title=London judge: Brightline owes $115M in damages to Richard Branson's Virgin Group|date=October 15, 2023|website=WFTV}}

File:All Aboard Florida "Brightline" station construction - MiamiCentral.jpg in 2015]]

Construction began on the Miami–West Palm Beach section with the laying of new tracks and closure of the temporary surface lots in Government Center, Downtown Miami, in mid-2014.{{Cite news |last=Chardy, Alfonso |date=August 25, 2014 |title=Work begins — finally — on Miami-to-Orlando fast train |work=Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article1981627.html |access-date=August 26, 2014}} Preliminary work on the Miami station, such as site preparation and demolition, began later in the year.{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=John Charles |date=September 27, 2016 |title=Brightline passenger rail service 65% built |url=http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2016/09/27/brightline-passenger-rail-service-65-built/ |access-date=March 9, 2017 |publisher=Miami Today}} Suffolk Construction was the general contractor for the Miami station.{{Cite news |last=Judy |first=Scott |date=July 30, 2014 |title=All Aboard Florida Taps Suffolk to Build Miami Station |publisher=ENR Southeast |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/12193-all-aboard-florida-taps-suffolk-to-build-miami-station |access-date=February 11, 2015}} Piles were being set on the four lots of MiamiCentral in early 2015.{{Cite news |last=Chardy |first=Alfonso |date=March 9, 2015 |title=On track: Details for downtown Miami railway hub are revealed |work=The Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article13075355.html#/tabPane=tabs-b0710947-1-1 |access-date=March 9, 2015}}

On October 29, 2014, work on the Fort Lauderdale station began with the demolition of existing buildings on the site.{{Cite web |last=Turnbell |first=Michael |date=October 29, 2014 |title=Demolition begins for All Aboard Florida's new station |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-all-aboard-lauderdale-demo-20141029-story.html |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=SunSentinel}} A groundbreaking ceremony for the West Palm Beach station was held in November 2014.{{Cite news |last=Sorentrue |first=Jennifer |date=November 12, 2014 |title=All Aboard Florida to begin construction today on West Palm Beach station |publisher=Palm Beach Post |url=http://realtime.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2014/11/12/all-aboard-florida-to-begin-construction-today-on-west-palm-beach-station/ |url-status=dead |access-date=February 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211222521/http://realtime.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2014/11/12/all-aboard-florida-to-begin-construction-today-on-west-palm-beach-station/ |archive-date=February 11, 2015}} Moss & Associates, of Fort Lauderdale, was the general contractor for the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale stations.{{Cite news |last=Turnbell |first=Michael |date=January 20, 2015 |title=Rail picks contractor for Fort Lauderdale, WPB stations |publisher=Sun Sentinel |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fll-all-aboard-contractor-20150120-story.html |access-date=February 11, 2015}}

In January 2015, crews started replacing tracks throughout the corridor.{{Cite web |last=Sorentrue |first=Jennifer |date=November 28, 2017 |title=Brightline to start limited service in December |url=https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/brightline-start-limited-service-december/NfPfVLsmTPGh50YxYNO1NI/ |access-date=December 28, 2017 |website=Palm Beach Post |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614095005/https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/brightline-start-limited-service-december/NfPfVLsmTPGh50YxYNO1NI/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Sorentrue |first=Jennifer |date=July 24, 2017 |title=Brightline's Orlando leg delayed to 2020 |url=https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/brightline-orlando-leg-delayed-2020-focus-now-local-commuters/bNUKL3wcf8bpREuOKh46fL/ |access-date=July 25, 2017 |website=myPalmBeachPost |publisher=Cox Media Group |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704211514/https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/brightline-orlando-leg-delayed-2020-focus-now-local-commuters/bNUKL3wcf8bpREuOKh46fL/ |url-status=dead }} All Aboard Florida secured leasing of easement rights alongside the Beachline from the Central Florida Expressway Authority for $1.4 million in December 2015.

Construction work on Phase 2, between West Palm Beach and Orlando, officially began in June 2019, with a groundbreaking ceremony at Orlando International Airport.{{Cite news |last=Solomon |first=Joshua |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains' Orlando leg underway as railroad eyes expansions to Tampa, Las Vegas |language=en |work=TCPalm |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2019/06/24/virgin-trains-begins-construction-orlando-higher-speed-rail/1529650001/ |access-date=January 2, 2020}} Preliminary work on the corridor began in September 2019, in the area of Jensen Beach and Sebastian,{{Cite news |last=Solomon |first=Joshua |date=September 18, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains expects to begin work Sept. 23 along Treasure Coast, Stuart officials say |language=en |work=TCPalm |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2019/09/18/virgin-trains-set-begin-preliminary-work-treasure-coast/2356949001/ |access-date=January 2, 2020}} and began path clearing for construction of the Orlando–Cocoa portion in October of that year.{{Cite web |last=Neale |first=Rick |title=Virgin Trains rail construction to trigger Beachline Expressway nighttime closures |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2019/10/21/virgin-trains-construction-to-trigger-beachline-expressway-nighttime-closures/4051966002/ |access-date=October 22, 2019 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}}

{{As of|2019|5}}, the contractors on the project were the Hubbard Construction Company, Wharton-Smith Inc., The Middlesex Corporation, Granite, and HSR Constructors. These five contractors are responsible for the development of {{convert|170|miles}} of new track into the completed state-of-the-art intermodal facility located in the new South Terminal at the Orlando International Airport (MCO).{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains USA names contractors for Orlando expansion |language=en |work=www.MassTransitMag.com |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/press-release/21082597/brightline-virgin-trains-usa-names-contractors-for-orlando-expansion |access-date=January 2, 2020}}

In 2019, Brightline operations sent a letter to the city of Boca Raton about the possibility of adding their city as an infill station along the Florida route. Brightline proposed constructing the station and rail infrastructure while the city would cover access and zoning requirements and costs.{{Cite news |last=Hristoforidis |first=Christina |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Is the Proposed Brightline Train Station a Good Idea for Boca Raton? |agency=The Boca Raton Tribute |url=https://www.bocaratontribune.com/bocaratonnews/2019/09/proposed-brightline-train-station-good-idea-boca-raton/ |access-date=September 15, 2019}} In December 2019, the former community garden next to the Boca Raton Public Library was officially chosen as the site for the station.{{Cite news |last=Baitinger |first=Brooke |date=December 11, 2019 |title=Brightline station coming to Boca Raton by 2021 |work=South Florida Sun Sentinel |location=Boca Raton, Florida |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boca-raton/fl-ne-boca-brightline-game-changer-20191211-ciftkqv72rdffc63suhpjkt4te-story.html |access-date=December 29, 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Solomon |first=Joshua |date=December 30, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains OKs 3 new stations in South Florida, so when will it build stations here? |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20191230/virgin-trains-oks-3-new-stations-in-south-florida-so-when-will-it-build-stations-here |access-date=June 5, 2020 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en}}

In October 2019, Miami-Dade County allocated $76 million to build a Brightline Aventura station by the Aventura Mall in Ojus, Florida, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. At the time of the announcement, the projected opening date was October 2020.{{Cite news |last=Hanks |first=Douglas |date=October 11, 2019 |title=Miami-Dade approves $76 million to bring Brightline to Aventura Mall |work=Miami Herald |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article235992038.html}} Groundbreaking on the station occurred in September 2020.{{Cite web |last=Arrojas |first=Matthew |date=September 3, 2020 |title=Brightline breaks ground on Aventura Mall station |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/09/03/brightline-breaks-ground-on-aventura-station.html |website=South Florida Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals}} On June 21, 2023, it was announced that construction was completed.[https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2023/06/21/brightline-construction-completion-orlando-station.html Brightline completes Miami-to-Orlando railway construction], By Steven Ryzewski and Ryan Lynch, June 21, 2023, Orlando Business Journal{{Cite web |last=Zizo |first=Christie |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Brightline celebrates Orlando to Miami rail line completion |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/20/brightline-to-celebrate-orlando-to-miami-rail-line-completion/ |website=WKMG}}{{Cite web |last=Atkins |first=Tony |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Brightline completes construction between Orlando and South Florida |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/brightline-orlando-south-florida/44281080 |website=WESH}}{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Brightline Orlando celebrates completed construction for high-speed train service to Miami |url=https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/brightline-orlando-celebrates-completed-construction |website=FOX 35 Orlando}}{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Brightline completes construction of high-speed rails connecting Orlando to South Florida |url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/brightline-completes-construction-high-speed-rails-connecting-orlando-south-florida/74OQOH3BZFEF5AXK255EZBTIGQ/ |website=WFTV}}{{Cite web |title=Brightline completes construction of rail line between Miami and Orlando - CBS Miami |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/video/brightline-completes-construction-of-rail-line-between-miami-and-orlando/ |website=www.cbsnews.com}}{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2023 |title=With Orlando's Station Complete, Brightline will now move to the next phase |url=https://www.bocaratontribune.com/bocaratonnews/2023/06/with-orlandos-station-complete-brightline-will-now-move-to-the-next-phase/}}

Revenue service between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach began on January 13, 2018.{{Cite web |last1=Doris |first1=Tony |last2=Seltzer |first2=Alexandra |last3=Elsesser |first3=Sarah |date=January 13, 2018 |title=Happy rails to you: Brightline high-speed trains roll into action |url=https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/local/happy-rails-you-brightline-high-speed-trains-roll-into-action/HnO3xqVBezGWgNurEt3B9J/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521104500/https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/local/happy-rails-you-brightline-high-speed-trains-roll-into-action/HnO3xqVBezGWgNurEt3B9J/ |archive-date=May 21, 2018 |access-date=May 20, 2018 |website=The Palm Beach Post |publisher=GateHouse Media}}{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2018 |title=Brightline slates fares and service date |url=https://www.railwayage.com/mw/brightline-slates-fares-and-service-date/ |access-date=May 20, 2018 |website=Railway Age}} Revenue service between Miami and Fort Lauderdale began on May 19, 2018. The station in Boca Raton began service on December 21, 2022, while the station in Aventura began service on December 24, 2022.{{Cite news |last=Fernández |first=Jasmine |date=December 21, 2022 |title='A great moment for Boca Raton's future': Brightline station opens for business |work=The Palm Beach Post |publisher=Gannett |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/boca/2022/12/21/new-boca-raton-brightline-station-opens-ticket-prices-for-commuters/69738652007/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225091743/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/boca/2022/12/21/new-boca-raton-brightline-station-opens-ticket-prices-for-commuters/69738652007/ |archive-date=December 25, 2022}}{{Cite news |date=December 24, 2022 |title=Grand opening held for new Brightline station in Aventura |work=WSVN |publisher=Sunbeam Television |url=https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/grand-opening-held-for-new-brightline-station-in-aventura/ |access-date=December 25, 2022}} Revenue service between West Palm Beach and Orlando began on September 22, 2023.

Brightline suspended operations on March 25, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |last=Bryan |first=Susannah |date=March 25, 2020 |title=As Brightline suspends service, 250 employees lose their jobs |work=Sun-Sentinel |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-coronavirus-brightline-ends-service-20200325-fbzutn7pkffednkdhp7aehszqu-story.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 23, 2023}} All train services ceased, and the company cut 250 jobs.{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=David |date=January 21, 2021 |title=Here's when Brightline trains are expected to restart service |work=The Sun Sentinel |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-brightline-restart-20210121-texjkcci7fcvxcbxtp3tqpl4ja-story.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 7, 2021}} Construction north to Orlando continued, as well as plans for the stations in Aventura and Boca Raton.{{Cite news |last=Figueroa |first=Jessica |date=April 16, 2020 |title=Virgin Trains Continues Construction on South Florida to Orlando Rail Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic |agency=WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/virgin-trains-continues-construction-on-south-florida-to-orlando-rail-throughout-covid-19-pandemic/ |access-date=May 31, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Deal |first=Jeff |date=July 17, 2020 |title=High-speed rail service from OIA to South Florida on track for 2022 |publisher=ABC |agency=WFTV |url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/high-speed-rail-service-oia-south-florida-track-2022/VEMNJF4MI5ETTCUWGAJ4S6GF6E/ |access-date=July 19, 2020}}

In January 2021, the company stated that service would begin again in "late 2021," contrary to their earlier estimate of the third quarter of 2021. The company said that most station and operations staff would be brought back approximately 30–60 days before services resumed. Throughout January 2021 and May 2021, the trains ran occasionally with no passengers, in order to test an upgraded corridor between the West Palm Beach and Miami train stations. Services resumed on November 8, 2021, between West Palm Beach and Miami.{{Cite web |last=Carbonare |first=Jossie |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Brightline trains resume from West Palm Beach to Miami for first time since March 2020 |url=https://www.wpbf.com/article/brightline-trains-covid-florida-west-palm-beach-miami/38187049 |website=WPBF |publisher=Hearst Television}}

File:Miami Metro Map 2017.png

The route is made up of the following stations, from north to south:

{{As of|2023|9}}, there are 18 daily round trips between Miami and West Palm Beach of which 16 cover the full route between Miami and Orlando. Roughly half of trains make all stops along the line, while the remainder skip Boca Raton station.

During the first two and a half months of introductory service between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, ridership totaled 74,780, increasing from 17,800 in January to 32,900 in March 2018.{{Cite news |last=Broadt |first=Lisa |date=June 29, 2018 |title=Brightline financial documents reveal first quarter ridership, revenue |language=en |work=TCPalm |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2018/06/29/brightline-financials-show-ridership-revenue-numbers/745477002/ |access-date=July 6, 2018}} The company itself announced that the ridership has been triple what had been expected.{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2018 |title=Brightline Ridership Triples Expectations; Miami To Start By End Of April |url=https://www.thenextmiami.com/brightline-ridership-triples-expectations-miami-start-end-april/ |publisher=The Next Miami }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The forecast provided to bond investors calls for 240,000 passengers per month by 2020, which includes service to Miami,{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2018 |title=Here's How Many Passengers Have Been Riding Brightline Trains |url=https://www.thenextmiami.com/heres-how-many-passengers-have-been-riding-brightline-trains/ |publisher=The Next Miami }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and analyst Fitch Ratings has said that the company could break even at 56% of their ridership forecast.

By the end of 2018, almost 600,000 passengers had ridden the train,{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=David |date=October 23, 2019 |title=Brightline expects to more than double ridership by adding three South Florida stations |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-bz-brightline-forecasts-two-million-riders-20191023-743qyqxt2naencz7tjsvrmypje-story.html |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=sun-sentinel.com}} and the line welcomed its 1 millionth rider in August 2019.{{Cite web |title=Virgin Trains USA celebrates one million ride mark |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/press-release/21091574/brightline-virgin-trains-usa-celebrates-one-million-ride-mark |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=www.MassTransitMag.com|date=August 6, 2019 }}

Service was suspended from March 2020 until November 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In August 2022, Brightline transported over 100,000 passengers. This was the first time it crossed the 100,000 passengers per month mark.{{Cite web |date=October 2022 |title=🌱 Pembroke Park Police Department Now Active + Brightline Aug. Record |url=https://patch.com/florida/miami/pembroke-park-police-department-now-active-brightline-aug-record}} In December 2022, Brightline served over 183,000 riders.{{Cite web |title=Brightline Monthly Ridership and Revenue Report, December 2022 |url=https://emma.msrb.org/P21645448-P21266442-P21693053.pdf |access-date=March 11, 2023}}

In April 2024 Brightline Florida carried 223,117 riders, which was an increase of 48% year over year.{{cite web |url=https://emma.msrb.org/P21811167-P21389499-P21830125.pdf |title=Brightline Florida Monthly Revenue and Ridership Report April 2024 |publisher=Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board}}

The five South Florida stations were designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in association with Zyscovich Architects.{{Cite news |title=SOM completes three new Brightline Florida rail stations |language=en |work=Archinect |url=https://archinect.com/news/article/150068039/som-completes-three-new-brightline-florida-rail-stations |access-date=June 10, 2018}} Rockwell Group designed the interiors.{{Cite web |title=Brightline – Rockwell Group |url=https://www.rockwellgroup.com/projects/brightline-train |access-date=June 10, 2018 |website=www.rockwellgroup.com |language=en-us}} All of the Brightline stations have adjacent parking at a paid rate per day.{{Cite news |last=Kornfield |first=Meryl |date=July 2, 2018 |title=Brightline's garages start charging customers to park |language=en-US |work=Sun-Sentinel.com |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-reg-brightline-parking-garages-20180702-story.html |access-date=July 6, 2018}}

File:Brightline Station Downtown Miami (27431282607).jpg|MiamiCentral station entrance

File:Aventura Brightline Station.jpg|Aventura station

File:Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station.jpg|Fort Lauderdale station

File:Boca Raton Brightline train station 2022-12-28 01.jpg|Boca Raton station

File:Brightline All Aboard Florida Station West Palm Beach (35100457414).jpg|West Palm Beach station

File:Brightline orlando station entrance.jpg|Orlando station entrance

{{Main|MiamiCentral}}The downtown Miami station, known as {{stl|Brightline|MiamiCentral}} (not to be confused with Miami Central Station, now known as Miami Intermodal Center, near Miami International Airport), spans {{convert|9|acre}} located just east of Miami-Dade County Hall and includes {{convert|3|e6sqft|m2}} of mixed-use development with residential, office and commercial, and a retail concourse. The station connects Brightline with the Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus, City of Miami trolley, and Tri-Rail systems.{{Cite news |date=September 22, 2014 |title=Here Are Leasing Plans And New Renderings For All Aboard Florida's MiamiCentral Station Project |work=The Next Miami |url=https://www.thenextmiami.com/here-are-leasing-plans-and-new-renderings-for-all-aboard-floridas-miamicentral-station-project/ |access-date=February 11, 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |last1=Beyer |first1=Brandon |last2=Quintana |first2=Julian |last3=Rosario |first3=Rubén |title=Grand opening ceremony held for Tri-Rail service into downtown Miami |url=https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/grand-opening-ceremony-held-for-tri-rail-service-into-downtown-miami/ |access-date=January 13, 2024 |work=WSVN |publisher=Sunbeam Television |date=January 12, 2024}} This increases connections to activities and tourist destinations, including the Performing Arts Center, Bayside Market and Bayfront Park. Service to Miami began on May 19, 2018. Tri-Rail service commenced in January 2024.

{{Main|Aventura station}}

The Aventura station is located on West Dixie Highway west of the Aventura Mall in Ojus, Florida. The station is {{cvt|34000|sqft|m2}} on a 3 acre site. There are 240 parking spaces at the Aventura station, as well as a Miami-Dade Transit bus drop-off.{{Cite web |author=A. O. L. Staff |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Is Brightline's Aventura station open yet? Curious305 takes a behind-the-scenes look |url=https://www.aol.com/news/brightline-aventura-station-open-yet-203644948.html |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}} Complimentary shuttle service is available to and from the mall. In the future, it will include another bridge that will connect the platform to Aventura Mall, and it will serve as the terminus of planned Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project commuter rail service.

{{Main|Fort Lauderdale station (Brightline)}}

The Fort Lauderdale station is located at NW 2nd Avenue between Broward Boulevard and NW 4th Street. The four-acre station site has a {{cvt|60000|sqft|m2}} station and platform. The Brightline train service in Ft. Lauderdale connects to the Sun Trolley and Broward County Transit system.{{Cite web |title=Fort Lauderdale |url=https://gobrightline.com/fort-lauderdale |access-date=June 10, 2018 |website=gobrightline.com |language=en}} Brightline also owns about three acres of land to the east of the Florida East Coast Railway corridor, where there are plans to build a transit-oriented development.{{Cite news |last=Wallman |first=Brittany |date=May 4, 2014 |title=Rail firm appears on track to transform Fort Lauderdale |work=Sun Sentinel |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-05-04/news/fl-all-aboard-station-20140503_1_aboard-florida-rail-station-rail-firm |access-date=February 11, 2015 |archive-date=February 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211224408/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-05-04/news/fl-all-aboard-station-20140503_1_aboard-florida-rail-station-rail-firm |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Boca Raton station (Brightline)}}

The Boca Raton station is located next to the Boca Raton Public Library. The station is {{cvt|22000|sqft|m2}} on a 1.8-acre site across from Mizner Park. The station has access to a 455-space parking garage that will also provide dedicated free parking for library patrons.

{{Main|West Palm Beach station (Brightline)}}

The West Palm Beach station is located between Datura and Evernia Streets and to the west of South Quadrille Blvd. The two-acre station site has a {{cvt|60000|sqft|m2}} station and platform that connect with the neighborhood's existing vehicular, trolley and pedestrian networks and establish links to the Tri-Rail, Palm Tran Downtown Trolley and Amtrak West Palm Beach station.{{Cite news |last=Sorentrue |first=Jennifer |date=November 11, 2014 |title=All Aboard Florida updates WPB station design |work=Palm Beach Post |url=http://realtime.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2014/11/11/all-aboard-florida-updates-wpb-station-design |url-status=dead |access-date=February 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212003313/http://realtime.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2014/11/11/all-aboard-florida-updates-wpb-station-design/ |archive-date=February 12, 2015}}

{{Main|Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal}}

In 2017, the new Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal at Orlando International Airport was opened.{{Cite news |last=Fluker |first=Anjali |date=August 11, 2014 |title=Exclusive: What All Aboard Florida rail station may include at Orlando airport |work=Orlando Business Journal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/08/exclusive-what-all-aboard-florida-rail-station-may.html?page=all |access-date=February 11, 2015}} Brightline terminates at this station after the {{convert|170|mi|adj=on}} Orlando Extension track was built. Trains run up to {{cvt|125|mph|round=10}} with a travel time of approximately 3.5 hours from Orlando's airport to Miami.{{Cite news |title=Brightline, Disney announce agreement for Disney Springs train station |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-brightline-disney-springs-20201123-24b7inqvtbgixi77464ya6fkmu-story.html}} The first test run of the Brightline train into Orlando station happened on May 17, 2022.{{Cite news |last=Luczak |first=Marybeth |date=May 18, 2022 |title=First Look: Brightline Rolls Into Orlando Station |work=Railway Age |url=https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/first-look-brightline-rolls-into-orlando-station/ |access-date=May 20, 2022}} Revenue service began on September 22, 2023.

File:Brightline-sunshine-corridor-2022.png

{{As of|September 2019}}, Brightline is in negotiations with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to lease right-of-way along the Interstate 4 corridor.{{Cite web |last1=Brezina-Smith |first1=Veronica |last2=Lynch |first2=Ryan |date=September 11, 2019 |title=State Extends Virgin Trains' Deadline for Orlando-to-Tampa Right-of-Way Negotiations |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2019/09/11/state-extends-virgin-trains-deadline-for-orlando.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102022852/https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2019/09/11/state-extends-virgin-trains-deadline-for-orlando.html |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |access-date=November 2, 2019 |website=Orlando Business Journal}} Brightline was the only bidder to submit a proposal to construct an intercity rail line along Interstate 4, which has been designated for federally funded high-speed rail. This would be utilized for an extension of the line from Orlando International Airport to Tampa. Potential stops along this route are the SunRail Meadow Woods station and Lakeland. The deadline for the negotiations between Central Florida Expressway Authority, FDOT, and Brightline was March 31, 2020.{{Cite web |title=Virgin Trains' Tampa-to-Orlando right of way negotiations extended again |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2019/12/27/virgin-trains-tampa-to-orlando-right-of-way.html |access-date=December 29, 2019 |website=www.bizjournals.com}} In September 2020, the railroad entered into a memorandum of understanding with a local developer to potentially construct the terminal station in Ybor City.{{Cite news |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Brightline, developer Darryl Shaw in negotiations for Ybor City rail station |agency=Tampa Bay Business Journal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/09/15/brightline-darryl-shaw-ybor-city-rail-station.html |access-date=October 1, 2020}}

In November 2020, Brightline and Walt Disney World Resort announced an agreement to build a station in Disney Springs as a part of its Tampa extension. The high-speed rail corridor between Disney Springs and Orlando International Airport was projected to cost $1 billion and travel alongside Florida State Road 417. As of 2021 the project had yet to secure needed funding, but passenger service was planned to start by 2026.{{Cite web |last=Spear |first=Kevin |date=March 11, 2021 |title=Brightline reveals cost details and route choices for Disney service in 5 years |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-prem-ne-brightline-disney-tampa-route-20210311-ehaxz2gcjjfgtl6mbx2r2be5ye-story.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 1, 2021 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} Then, on May 5, 2022, Universal Orlando offered 13 acres of land near the site where Universal Epic Universe is being built for a commuter station, as well as bond guarantees. This was claimed to promote construction of an extension of Brightline that would include a brief confluence with SunRail between SunRail's Meadow Woods and Pine Castle stations, and lead through Disney eventually to Tampa. They did not mention the existing proposal to run Brightline down SR 417 to Disney Springs, but it did suggest a future SunRail service to Epic Universe, the Orange County Convention Center, and Disney Springs.{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2022 |title=Universal executives pledge to donate land to support SunRail/Brightline corridor |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/sunrail-brightline-expansion/39918260 |access-date=May 12, 2022 |website=WESH.com}} On June 27, 2022, Disney announced that Brightline would not run on their Walt Disney World park property; however Brightline said it would still build a station near Disney World to get riders as close as possible.{{Cite web|last=Spear|first=Kevin|date=June 27, 2022|title=Disney opts out of SunRail-Brightline expansion, but project moving ahead|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-sunrail-gas-and-home-20220627-c5xds3gjqrcgpmk7wq7udp4a3a-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628131154/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-sunrail-gas-and-home-20220627-c5xds3gjqrcgpmk7wq7udp4a3a-story.html|archive-date=June 28, 2022|url-access=subscription}}

{{main|Stuart station (Brightline)}}

On March 4, 2024, Brightline officially announced that an infill station on the Treasure Coast would be built in Stuart. The current plan sees the station beginning service by 2028.{{Cite web |title=BRIGHTLINE ANNOUNCES STATION EXPANSION FOR DOWNTOWN STUART & MARTIN COUNTY |url=https://www.gobrightline.com/press-room/2024/brightline-announces-station-expansion-for-downtown-stuart-and-martin-county |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=www.gobrightline.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-18 |title=Florida county applies for federal funds for Brightline station |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/florida-county-applies-for-federal-funds-for-brightline-station/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Trains |language=en-US}}

{{main|Cocoa station}}

On March 12, 2024, Brightline officially announced that an infill station on the Space Coast would be built in Cocoa. The current plan sees the station beginning service by 2028.{{cite news |last1=Dahm |first1=Daniel |title=Next stop, Cocoa: Brightline travels toward new station in Brevard |url=https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/brightline-cocoa-station |access-date=March 19, 2024 |work=WKMG-TV |publisher=Graham Media Group |date=March 12, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Peter |title=Brightline announces it's moving forward with Space Coast station in Cocoa |url=https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/travel/brightline-space-coast-station-in-cocoa |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=WPTV |publisher=The E.W. Scripps Company |date=March 12, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Dave |date=2025-02-10 |title=Cocoa makes another try at landing $47 million federal grant for Brightline station |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/money/business/2025/02/10/cocoa-seeks-47-million-federal-grant-to-pay-for-brightline-station/77900606007/ |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}}

As part of the initial construction for Brightline, All Aboard Florida said it was considering an extension to Jacksonville, Florida.{{Cite web |last=Talley |first=Karen |date=December 3, 2015 |title=All Aboard Florida gains easement, hints at Jacksonville in contract |url=https://www.growthspotter.com/2015/12/03/all-aboard-florida-gains-easement-hints-at-jacksonville-in-contract/ |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} Brightline currently owns passenger trackage rights along the entire Florida East Coast Railway corridor, making the prospect of an expansion of Brightline to Jacksonville much simpler due to some of the existing rail infrastructure already in place. However, no commitment has been made in writing, as starting the development of the line to Tampa is the top priority for Brightline.{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Marcus |date=2023-12-20 |title=OPINION {{!}} Rail funding is coming – is Jacksonville paying attention? |url=https://jaxtoday.org/2023/12/19/opinion-rail-funding-is-coming-is-jacksonville-paying-attention/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Jacksonville Today |language=en-US}}

{{Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project|collapse=y}}

{{main|Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project}}

In 2020, it was revealed that Brightline and local governments were planning a commuter rail service to complement the existing Brightline service. Referred to as the Northeast Corridor,{{Cite news |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=March 23, 2021 |title=After $345 million buildout, Brightline to run new intercity rail |agency=Miami Today |url=https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2021/03/23/after-345-million-buildout-brightline-to-run-new-intercity-rail/ |access-date=April 6, 2021}} trains would run between MiamiCentral and Aventura with five stations between. Brightline and the Miami-Dade County Commission agreed to access fees in November 2020.{{Cite news |date=November 18, 2020 |title=Brightline, Miami-Dade OK access fee for new commuter-rail system |agency=Progressive Railroading |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Brightline-Miami-Dade-OK-access-fee-for-new-commuter-rail-system--62103 |access-date=November 21, 2020}} The estimated cost for full buildout of the line is $325 million. Operations were expected to start as early as 2024.{{Cite news |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=April 6, 2021 |title=Miami-Dade seeks federal funding for Northeast commuter rail line |agency=Miami Today |url=https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2021/04/06/miami-dade-seeks-federal-funding-for-northeast-commuter-rail-line/ |access-date=April 11, 2021}} By 2023, station locations had been identified and service frequencies for trains were expected to be every 30 to 60 minutes.{{Cite news |last=Hanks |first=Douglas |date=February 23, 2023 |title=A commuter train along U.S. 1 in Miami? County unveils plan without El Portal station |agency=Miami Herald |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article272581822.html |access-date=June 1, 2023}}

In 2021, the Florida Department of Transportation and Broward County executed a memorandum of understanding to implement a passenger transportation system along the FEC corridor. Plans call for a {{convert|27|mi|adj=mid}} commuter rail route starting at Aventura station in the south and running as far north as Deerfield Beach.{{Cite news |last=Lester |first=David C. |date=August 24, 2021 |title=Florida's Broward County considering commuter rail line in FEC corridor |agency=Railway Track and Structure |url=https://www.rtands.com/passenger/floridas-broward-county-considering-commuter-rail-line-in-fec-corridor/ |access-date=September 12, 2021}} Service could start in 2028.{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=Davis |date=September 5, 2021 |title=Broward commuter rail link not likely until 2028 |agency=Sun-Sentinel |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-bz-broward-coastal-link-2028-20210905-34bco2u2rrgclbyfm7q34du27q-story.html |access-date=September 12, 2021}}

It has also been proposed that the commuter service could go through Palm Beach County if a deal is reached with the county, stopping at destinations such as Delray Beach and going as far north as Jupiter, the latter of which has no passenger rail service.{{Cite web |last=Bojansky |first=Erik |date=November 13, 2020 |title=Miami-Dade moves forward with multimillion-dollar Brightline deal |url=https://therealdeal.com/miami/2020/11/13/miami-dade-moves-forward-with-multimillion-dollar-brightline-deal/ |access-date=May 17, 2023 |website=The Real Deal}}

{{Main|Brightline West}}

On September 18, 2018, Fortress Investment Group announced that it would acquire XpressWest, a venture capital proposal to build a privately funded high-speed rail passenger train from Apple Valley, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, from hotel developer Marnell Corrao Associates.{{Cite press release |title=Brightline to Build Express Intercity Passenger Rail Connecting Southern California and Las Vegas |date=September 18, 2018 |publisher=XpressWest |url=http://xpresswest.com/news.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726122244/http://www.xpresswest.com/news.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Velotta |first=Richard N. |date=September 18, 2018 |title=Florida firm acquires company planning Las Vegas to LA rail line |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/florida-firm-acquires-company-planning-las-vegas-to-la-rail-line/ |access-date=September 18, 2018 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal}}{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2019 |title=Las Vegas officials eye linking downtown to proposed high-speed rail |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/traffic/las-vegas-officials-eye-linking-downtown-to-proposed-high-speed-rail-1671556/}} When Fortress subsequently entered into its partnership with Virgin Group in 2019, it was announced that the newly formed consortium will build and operate XpressWest when it opens.{{Cite web |last=Cordeiro |first=Monivette |title=Brightline changes name to Virgin Trains USA in new partnership with billionaire Richard Branson |url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/11/16/brightline-changes-name-to-virgin-trains-usa-in-new-partnership-with-billionaire-richard-branson |website=Orlando Weekly |access-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-date=August 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806005738/https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/11/16/brightline-changes-name-to-virgin-trains-usa-in-new-partnership-with-billionaire-richard-branson |url-status=dead }} In September 2020, Fortress Investment Group renamed the project Brightline West.

Despite funding difficulties, Brightline West has secured $3 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $2.5 billion dollars of private activity bonds from the US Department of Transportation.{{cite news |last=Seeman |first=Matthew |date=January 23, 2024 |title=$2.5 billion in bonds approved for Brightline West high-speed train to Las Vegas |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/25-billion-in-bonds-approved-for-brightline-west-high-speed-train-to-las-vegas-wes-edens-pete-buttigieg-usdot-transit-southern-california |work=News 3}}{{Cite web |last=Seeman |first=Matthew |title=Brightline West high-speed train lands $3B in federal funding for construction|url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/brightline-west-high-speed-train-lands-3b-in-federal-funding-for-construction-las-vegas-southern-california-high-desert-i-15|website=news3lv.com|date=December 5, 2023 }} Construction for the {{convert|180|mi|km|adj=on}} long track started in April 22, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/high-speed-train-vegas-los-angeles-brightline-595913ff2fa3d9001fb89bfab4e6c4d2 | title=Rail spikes hammered, bullet train being built from Sin City to the City of Angels | website=Associated Press News | date=April 22, 2024 }} They plan on carrying passengers between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga with speeds of up to {{Convert|200|mph|abbr=on|round=10}} for an 85-minute trip. Trains on this line will be fully electric and run mostly in the median of Interstate 15. Fortress's Wes Edens has stated that Brightline's service is modeled off of Eurostar's Paris-to-London commute. Its coach design includes white-and-blue interiors, roomy seating, and free Wi-Fi.{{Cite news |last=Ohnsman |first=Alan |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Inside A Wall Street Tycoon's Plan To Get Americans Off The Highway – And On His Trains |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/06/11/inside-a-wall-street-tycoons-plan-to-get-americans-off-the-highway---and-on-his-trains/?sh=24be5bbd7a04}}

Wes Edens has also expressed interest for Brightline in interviews during the Brightline West groundbreaking ceremony to connect other city pairings which are denoted by Brightline as "Too Long To Drive & Too Short To Fly", with the new "Brightline 2.0" model of utilizing Interstate land and medians to connect city pairs up. With Edens using example of city pairs such as:{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Z3pC_-SX0 |title=Brightline West to Spur US High-Speed Rail Industry: Edens |language=en |access-date=2024-04-27 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOoekV6Cy8Q |title=A Billionaire's Blueprint For Building Bullet Trains |language=en |access-date=2024-04-27 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHVra9IWleU |title=Wes Edens on Brightline West groundbreaking, geopolitical market risks and the Fed |language=en |access-date=2024-04-27 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-25 |title=Brightline Founder Eyes Private Rail Expansion to Texas, Seattle |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/brightline-founder-eyes-private-rail-expansion-to-texas-seattle-11713983533378.html |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=mint |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2024-04-24 |title=Brightline Founder Eyes Private Rail Expansion to Texas, Seattle |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-24/brightline-founder-eyes-private-rail-expansion-to-texas-seattle |access-date=2024-04-27 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Brightline Founder Predicts a Passenger Rail Resurgence |url=https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/04/128691-brightline-founder-predicts-passenger-rail-resurgence |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=www.planetizen.com |language=en}}

• Texas Triangle (Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin – there was no mention of existing planned/proposed Texas Central Railway)
• Chicago to St. Louis (no mention of the existing Amtrak Lincoln Service)
• Midwest (Edens used the example of: Cleveland to Columbus)
• Cascadia (Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Canada – no mention of the existing Amtrak Cascades service or WSDOT Service Development Plan)
• Atlanta to Charlotte (no mention of the newly funded Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) high-speed rail study for this corridor)

Other corridors have been shown on official Brightline "Too Long To Drive & Too Short To Fly" maps with more denoted corridors than mentioned above:

• Latest map from November 2023 denoting most of the aspired routes from above with the addition of:{{Cite web |last=ChrisGnam |date=2023-11-23 |title=Brightline 2.0 Slide? |url=http://www.reddit.com/r/Brightline/comments/1826zba/brightline_20_slide/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Reddit (r/Brightline)}}
• Washington D.C. to New York to Boston
• Map from May 2023 denoting the intention to have additional future stations and connection with California High-Speed Rail (CAHSR) at:{{Cite web |date=May 8, 2023 |title=New Brightline map just dropped |url=https://twitter.com/classicryan17/status/1655647345093083136 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}
• Palmdale
• Los Angeles Union Station
• First known map from July 2021 showing additional routes such as:{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2021 |title=City pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive 🚆 #GoBrightline #highspeedrail #HSR #buildHSR |url=https://twitter.com/GoBrightline/status/1421211000590712837 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}
• Los Angeles to Phoenix
• Chicago to Madison/Cleveland/Detroit
• Miami to Jacksonville

Upon full buildout of the Miami–Orlando route, trains operate at up to {{cvt|79|mph|round=10}} between Miami and West Palm Beach, up to {{cvt|110|mph|kph||round=10}} between West Palm Beach and Cocoa, and up to {{cvt|125|mph|round=10}} between Cocoa and the Orlando International Airport.{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2017 |title=South Florida gets first peek at Brightline express train |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/fl-brightline-train-arrives-20170111-story.html |access-date=February 16, 2019 |website=South Florida Sun-Sentinel}} A future extension to Tampa from Orlando is in the planning stages. Originally, trains on this corridor would operate at up to {{cvt|125|mph|round=10}}; but a maximum speed of {{cvt|150|mph|round=10}} has been reported more frequently as of 2024. Although unconfirmed, these speeds may potentially mean Brightline Tampa sharing similar infrastructure and rolling stock that will be seen with Brightline West.{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Brightline-Virgin proposal for Tampa-to-Orlando rail service clears key state hurdle |url=https://www.tampabay.com/business/brightline-virgin-proposal-for-tampa-to-orlando-rail-service-heads-to-key-decision-20181128/ |access-date=February 15, 2019 |publisher=Tampa Bay Times}}{{cite web |last1=Cowan |first1=Kellie |title=Is high-speed rail coming to Tampa? New bill hopes to fast-track Brightline expansion |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/is-high-speed-rail-coming-to-tampa-new-bill-hopes-to-fast-track-brightline-expansion |website=FOX 13 News |date=4 January 2024}} It is one of the few rail services in the United States to approach the lowest high-speed rail standard set by the International Union of Railways of {{convert|200|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}.{{Cite web |title=General Definitions of Highspeed |url=http://www.uic.org/highspeed#General-definitions-of-highspeed |access-date=November 20, 2015 |publisher=International Union of Railways (UIC)}}{{Cite book |last=Pyrgidis |first=Christos N. |url={{google books|plainurl=y|id=e5ymCwAAQBAJ}} |title=Railway Transportation Systems: Design, Construction and Operation |date=April 21, 2016 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-4822-6216-2}}

The travel time between Miami and Orlando is around {{frac|3|1|2}} hours.{{Cite news |last=Holsman |first=Melissa |date=April 22, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains sells $1.75 billion in private activity bonds for expansion to Orlando |work=TCPalm |publisher=Treasure Coast Newspapers |location=Port St Lucie, FL |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2019/04/22/virgin-trains-sell-private-activity-bonds-expansion-orlando/3539297002/}} Driving (without traffic) between the two takes {{frac|3|1|2}} hours using the Florida's Turnpike, and {{frac|3|3|4}} hours using the I-95/SR 528 freeways along the planned train route via Cocoa. The flight time between MIA and MCO (Orlando International Airport) is 1 hour, though with the suggested 2 hour arrival at the airport prior to departure by airlines, the flight trip is around 3 hours (not including last mile transportation). In High speed rail in Europe and East Asia, the travel time at which rail starts to attract a significant sector of the rail/air travel sector is usually given as around four hours with rail becoming dominant over air travel at travel times below three hours.

As of 2024, trains travel at an overall average speed of {{convert|69|mph|km/h}}, making the journey in about 3.5 hours. To meet the target 3-hour schedule, trains would have to operate with an overall average speed of {{convert|80|mph|abbr=on|round=10}}, which is similar to the overall average speed of the Amtrak Acela operating on the Northeast Corridor between New York City and Washington, D.C.{{Cite web |title=FECI Bringing Private Passenger Rail To Florida By 2014 |url=https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-mar-feci-bringing-private-passenger-rail-to-florida-by-2014 |access-date=July 16, 2012 |publisher=Metro Jacksonville |quote=FECI envisions a three-hour trip between the cities at an average speed similar to the Acela between New York and Washington, DC... The initial 240-mile project between Orlando and downtown Miami is expected to cost $1 billion.}}{{Cite web |title=ACELA High-Speed Rail Network System |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/amtrak/ |access-date=May 19, 2012 |publisher=Railway Technology |quote=The 225 mile (362 km) New York Penn Station to Washington, DC takes 2 hours 48 minutes, an average of 80mph (129 km/h).}}{{Cite web |last=Gale |first=Kevin |date=March 22, 2012 |title=Florida East Coast Industries plans Miami-to-Orlando passenger service |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2012/03/22/fec-plans-miami-to-orlando-passenger.html?page=all |access-date=May 18, 2012 |publisher=South Florida Business Journal}}

The project to connect Miami and Orlando called for more than $1.5 billion in upgrades to the rail corridor between Miami and Cocoa. The company double tracked the corridor, improved signaling systems, and upgraded every grade crossing to meet the highest applicable safety standards set by FDOT and Federal Railroad Administration.{{Cite news |last=Parker |first=Terri |date=July 23, 2014 |title=State requires All Aboard Florida to install millions in safety upgrades |work=WPBF |url=http://www.wpbf.com/news/state-requires-all-aboard-florida-to-install-millions-in-safety-upgrades/27112928 |access-date=February 10, 2015}}{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2012 |title=Private passenger train vision calls for double-tracking Florida East Coast |url=http://trn.trains.com/en/Railroad%20News/News%20Wire/2012/03/Private%20passenger%20train%20vision%20calls%20for%20double-tracking%20Florida%20East%20Coast.aspx |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 29, 2012 |publisher=Trains Magazine |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214192840/https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2012/03/private-passenger-train-vision-calls-for-double-tracking-florida-east-coast |url-status=dead }} In January 2013, the Federal Railroad Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Miami–Cocoa phase of the project, effectively clearing the way for work to begin.{{Cite web |title=All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail Project FONSI |url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Details/L04277 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |website=Federal Railroad Administration}} Part of the corridor safety upgrades included installing positive train control (PTC), which enhances Brightline's ability to monitor and control train movements safely.{{Cite web |title=Southeast Florida Passenger Rail Update: Sept. 20, 2013 Council Meeting |url=http://www.tcrpc.org/special_projects/AAF/AAF%20Agenda%20Items/9_SE_Florida_Passenger_Rail_Update.pdf |access-date=February 11, 2015 |publisher=Trasurer Coast Regional Planning Council |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214155228/http://www.tcrpc.org/special_projects/AAF/AAF%20Agenda%20Items/9_SE_Florida_Passenger_Rail_Update.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Responding to citizen concerns about increased noise from additional horns, the company stated that it will work with local communities to implement quiet zones where possible.{{Cite news |last=Stone |first=Rick |date=August 14, 2014 |title='Quiet Zones' Along The FEC Tracks May Silence Critics As Well As Train Whistles |publisher=WLRN |url=http://wlrn.org/post/quiet-zones-along-fec-tracks-may-silence-critics-well-train-whistles |access-date=February 11, 2015}} Federal law requires quiet zone requests to originate from the local authority that has jurisdiction over the roadway, not the railroad company.{{Cite web |title=Federal Railroad Administration's Train Horn & Quiet Zone Rule |url=https://www.up.com/real_estate/roadxing/industry/horn_quiet/index.htm |access-date=February 11, 2015 |website=Union Pacific}}

In August 2014, the company announced a partnership with the Broward and Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organizations to implement quiet zones between the city of Hallandale Beach and 15th Street in West Palm Beach.{{Cite news |last=Reiser |first=Emon |date=August 13, 2014 |title=All Aboard Florida secures funds for Broward-Palm Beach quiet zone |work=South Florida Business Journal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2014/08/13/all-aboard-florida-secures-funds-for-broward-palm.html?page=all |access-date=February 11, 2015}} In December 2014, the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization approved funding to construct quiet zones between PortMiami and the northern Miami-Dade County line.{{Cite news |last=Chardy |first=Alfonso |date=January 16, 2015 |title=With 'quiet zones' funded for Miami-Dade, All Aboard Florida moves ahead |work=Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article6848397.html |access-date=February 11, 2015}} The quiet zones were originally planned to be in place when Brightline would become operational between Miami and West Palm Beach by the end of 2017. Brightline started service on January 11, 2018, but various delays in constructing the quiet zones stretched their in-service date to sometime in March.{{Cite news |last=Sorentrue |first=Jennifer |date=January 11, 2018 |title=UPDATE: Quiet zone work to be completed in March, Brightline says |work=Palm Beach Post |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/update-quiet-zone-work-completed-march-brightline-says/DQpkpbNSsQg9G26QeHHESL/ |access-date=February 9, 2018 |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927094624/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/update-quiet-zone-work-completed-march-brightline-says/DQpkpbNSsQg9G26QeHHESL/ |url-status=dead }}

On May 14, 2018, quiet zones went into effect in West Palm Beach, in Lake Worth on May 21 and in Boca Raton on May 30. The "no train horn" areas apply to all trains, freight and passenger.{{Cite web |last=Shatzman |first=Marci |date=May 30, 2018 |title=Trains to silence horns at 10 Boca Raton crossings |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-pn-boca-quiet-zone-05302018-story.html |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=Sun Sentinel}} Quiet Zones remove the legal duty of a train engineer to sound the horn. Train engineers do still use the horn in quiet zones for emergency situations (such as a trespasser fouling the tracks).{{Cite web |title=FRA Locomotive Horn Sounding and Quiet Zone Establishment |url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L04309 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |website=FRA}}

The FEC rail corridor includes several fixed-span bridges that were replaced as part of the project. Most did not require United States Coast Guard (USCG) permitting as they do not span significant navigable waterways and clearances did not change. Twelve other bridges—St. Johns River, Eau Gallie River, St. Sebastian River, Crane Creek, Turkey Creek, West Palm Beach Canal, Boynton Canal, Middle River (both the North and South Fork), Oleta River, Arch Creek and Hillsboro Canal— required permitting by the USCG. In addition, the project called for significant investment and upgrades to three movable bridges: St. Lucie, Loxahatchee, and New River. These improvements ensure that bridge mechanical systems for raising and lowering the bridge spans are either fully upgraded or replaced. The company has stated that, prior to it becoming operational, it would start to regularly notify mariners of scheduled bridge closings via the internet, smart phone application and countdown signage on the bridges to enable mariners to have real-time information to decrease wait times at each bridge. Also, the company would station a bridge tender at the New River bridge.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2014 |title=All Aboard Florida – Miami to Orlando Passenger Rail Service Draft Environmental Impact Statement |url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Details/L15976 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |website=Federal Railroad Administration}}

Prior to the opening of service to Orlando, Brightline began asking municipalities around the St. Lucie River to support a potential federal grant to fund the replacement of the single-track rail bridge over the river with a new, raised double-track span.{{Cite web |title=Will Brightline replace the 90-year-old St. Lucie River railroad bridge after all? |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/martin-county/2023/08/23/brightline-train-florida-fl-miami-orlando-stuart-st-lucie-river-railroad-bridge-replacement-grants/70622813007/ |website=Treasure Coast}}

In January 2024, the Biden administration funded the construction of the bridge with a $130 million grant from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant program.{{Cite web |title=

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $4.9 Billion in Funding for Transformational Infrastructure Projects |url=https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-announces-49-billion-funding-transformational |website=U.S. Department of Transportation }}

The line between Cocoa and Orlando is the only segment that did not have existing track or right-of-way owned by FEC. Originally, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) believed it could accommodate building new tracks for the project within the BeachLine Expressway's {{convert|300|ft|adj=on}} wide right-of-way. This segment of the proposed line would operate at speeds of up to {{cvt|125|mph|round=10}}.{{Cite web |title=49 U.S.C. 26105 – Definitions |url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCODE-2009-title49/USCODE-2009-title49-subtitleV-partD-chap261-sec26105 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=U.S. Government Publishing Office}}{{Cite web |title=The Development of High Speed Rail in the United States: Issues and Recent Events |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42584.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2012 |publisher=Congressional Research Service}} Other high speed rail corridors have in the past been built next to highways as well – for example the Cologne–Frankfurt high-speed rail line runs parallel to the A3 federal highway for more than half of its {{convert|180|km}} length.

CFX began negotiations with Deseret Ranch, which owns the land just south of the BeachLine, to purchase additional land in order to widen the right-of-way. According to a pact made on July 16, 2013, CFX tentatively agreed to pay $12 million for an extra {{cvt|200|ft|m}} along the {{convert|22|mi|km|adj=on}} BeachLine corridor between Cocoa and Orlando International Airport.{{Cite web |last=Tracy |first=Dan |date=July 16, 2013 |title=Deal could lead to Miami-Orlando train, extended Osceola toll road |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2013/07/16/deal-could-lead-to-miami-orlando-train-extended-osceola-toll-road/ |access-date=July 30, 2013 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} In early October 2013, CFX and All Aboard Florida reached a formal purchase agreement for the land required for the right-of-way. Although construction was slated to originally begin in early 2015, construction of the segment started on May 22, 2019.{{Cite web |title=F A Q |url=https://gobrightline.com/F-A-Q |access-date=June 10, 2018 |website=Brightline |language=en |archive-date=October 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017125653/https://www.gobrightline.com/F-A-Q |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Spear |first=Kevin |date=May 21, 2019 |title=Virgin Trains announces construction start for rail between Orlando and South Florida |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-virgin-trains-builder-announced-20190521-gxapxfgkzzgahoc6phnccwhtu4-story.html |access-date=January 2, 2020 |website=orlandosentinel.com}}

Also in October 2013, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board approved development of a station and maintenance facility on Orlando International Airport property, as well as an easement to build track between the station and the mainline to the coast.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2013 |title=All Aboard Florida secures right-of-way, station agreements |url=http://www.rtands.com/index.php/passenger/intercity/all-aboard-florida-secures-right-of-way-station-agreements.html |access-date=October 9, 2013 |website=Railway Track and Structures}}

For the initial opening of the line, it is single tracked for most of the route, however all the bridges and infrastructure are designed for double track thus saving effort when upgrading.{{Citation |title=Brightline Construction: Work Train on the Orlando Line – January 10, 2022 | date=January 11, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PS-xatL_A0 |access-date=January 28, 2022 |language=en}}

Brightline has two maintenance facilities. Their primary vehicle maintenance facility, Basecamp, is located near the Orlando International Airport and opened in early 2023 to commission and service trains prior to the beginning of service to Orlando.{{Cite web |title=A BEHIND-SCENES LOOK AT BRIGHTLINE'S BASECAMP:FLORIDA'S STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAIN MAINTENANCE FACILITY |url=https://www.gobrightline.com/press-room/2023/behind-the-scene-look-at-brightline-basecamp |website=www.gobrightline.com |language=en}}

Brightline's secondary Running Repair Facility, workshop b, is located north of the West Palm Beach station, and designed for maintenance and minor repair work that does not require the train to be removed from service. The facility includes a maintenance pit for accessing the underside of the trains and can handle up to four 10-car train sets.{{Cite news |last=Seemuth |first=Mike |date=January 18, 2016 |title=Concrete pours for Brightline facility in West Palm Beach |language=en-US |work=The Real Deal Miami |url=https://therealdeal.com/miami/2016/01/18/concrete-pours-for-brightline-maintenance-facility-in-wpb/ |access-date=May 10, 2016}}

All Aboard Florida ordered five Siemens trainsets in 2014. Each Brightline trainset initially consisted of four {{convert|85|ft|m|adj=on}} long Siemens Venture passenger coaches, with a Siemens Charger SCB-40 diesel-electric locomotive on each end.{{Cite news |date=April 6, 2016 |title=Cummins QSK95 achieves Tier 4 certification |work=Railway Gazette |location=London |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/technology/single-view/view/cummins-qsk95-achieves-tier-4-certification.html |access-date=August 2, 2016 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614150249/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/technology/single-view/view/cummins-qsk95-achieves-tier-4-certification.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2016 |title=Brightline unveils Siemens locomotives and coaches |work=Railway Gazette |location=London |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/brightline-unveils-siemens-locomotives-and-coaches.html |access-date=August 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312142921/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/brightline-unveils-siemens-locomotives-and-coaches.html |url-status=dead }} The coaches, with interiors designed by the LAB at Rockwell Group,{{Cite web |last=Trejos |first=Nancy |date=November 9, 2015 |title=New Florida train service to whisk passengers between Miami and Orlando |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/11/09/florida-express-train-travel-miami-orlando/75179722/ |website=USA Today}} feature ergonomic seating, Wi-Fi, and level boarding, and meet ADA standards. Each trainset holds 248 passengers. Working with All Aboard Florida, the LAB also conceived the Brightline name, brand platform, and visual identity.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2015 |title=Florida's Brightline to 'take the grey out of travel' |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/floridas-brightline-to-take-the-grey-out-of-travel.html |website=Railway Gazette |access-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215175122/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/floridas-brightline-to-take-the-grey-out-of-travel.html |url-status=dead }} The entire trainset, including passenger cars, were manufactured by Siemens in its solar-powered plant in Florin, California. Brightline's plan originally called for the trainsets to be expanded to seven coaches, and five more complete trainsets would be purchased once the route to Orlando went into operation.{{Cite press release |title=All Aboard Florida Selects Siemens as Train Manufacturer |date=September 11, 2014 |publisher=All Aboard Florida |url=https://press.gobrightline.com/showPressRelease/100042944 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520055215/https://press.gobrightline.com/showPressRelease/100042944 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |last=Brinkmann |first=Paul |date=September 11, 2014 |title=Siemens to build All Aboard Florida trains |publisher=Orlando Sentinel |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-siemens-selected-to-build-all-aboard-florida-trains-20140911-post.html |access-date=February 11, 2015}} The first of five trainsets departed the Siemens factory on December 8, 2016,{{Cite web |last=Hendrickson |first=Eric |date=December 13, 2016 |title=First Brightline train on FEC rails |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/12/13-brightline-on-fec-rails |access-date=December 16, 2016 |website=Trains Magazine |archive-date=December 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217121211/http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/12/13-brightline-on-fec-rails |url-status=dead }} and arrived in West Palm Beach on December 14.{{Cite web |last=Viglucci |first=Andres |date=December 14, 2016 |title=Take a gander at the very first finished Brightline train, now steaming to South Florida |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article120831563.html |access-date=December 16, 2016 |website=Miami Herald}} The fifth trainset arrived in South Florida in October 2017.{{Cite press release |title=Fifth Trainset Delivered As Brightline Named Official Train Service Of Miami HEAT |date=October 5, 2017 |publisher=Brightline |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fifth-trainset-delivered-as-brightline-named-official-train-service-of-miami-heat-300532042.html |access-date=May 20, 2018 |via=PR Newswire}} The final of the additional five train sets for the Orlando service arrived in February 2023, with these train sets only having four coaches instead of the planned seven.{{cite press release |title=BRIGHT ORANGE 2, BRIGHTLINE'S FINAL TRAINSET FOR THE ORLANDO EXTENSION PROJECT ARRIVES IN ORLANDO |url=https://www.gobrightline.com/press-room/2023/brightline-bright-orange-2-arrival |website=www.gobrightline.com |publisher=Brightline |language=en |date=February 19, 2023}}

The trains offer two classes of service, with one "Premium" coach and three "Smart" coaches on each trainset. "Premium" offers 2x1 and four-to-a-table seating with 50 {{convert|21|in|adj=on}}-wide seats per car and complimentary snacks and beverages, while the slightly less expensive "Smart" fare coaches seat 66 with narrower {{convert|19|in|adj=on}}-wide seats, with snacks and beverages available for purchase.{{Cite news |date=January 11, 2018 |title=Brightline train service begins in South Florida |work=WFTV 9 |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/brightline-train-service-begins-in-south-florida/682147884 |access-date=February 9, 2018}}{{Cite web |title=Trains |url=https://gobrightline.com/trains |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070805/https://gobrightline.com/trains |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |access-date=February 9, 2018 |publisher=Brightline}}

Due to having railroad crossings in built up areas, there have been numerous incidents of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists being on the tracks when a train passed, several of them resulting in fatalities. Over 100 deaths have been connected to Brightline operations since 2017.{{cite web |last1=Dunnan |first1=Tory |title=Brightline safety resurfaces following death in St. Lucie County |url=https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/travel/brightline-safety-resurfaces-following-death-in-st-lucie-county |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=WPTV |date=September 28, 2023 |location=West Palm Beach}} According to AP analysis, as of February 2022, the train averaged one death per {{convert|35000|miles}} traveled, the highest rate in the nation.{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Terry |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Florida high-speed rail deaths rise to 57 in 5 years |work=Associated Press |location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida |url=https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-florida-fort-lauderdale-207507a6924c5c9fb81f345ca6309eb3 |url-status=live |access-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424225345/https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-florida-fort-lauderdale-207507a6924c5c9fb81f345ca6309eb3 |archive-date=April 24, 2023}} A 27-year-old in Pompano Beach and a 56-year-old in Hollywood were killed in a two-day period in April 2022,{{Cite web |last1=Branton |first1=Parker |first2=Amanda |last2=Batchelor |first3=Roy |last3=Ramos |first4=Christian |last4=De La Rosa |date=May 2, 2022 |title=Young father dies following crash involving Brightline train in Pompano Beach |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/05/02/driver-seriously-injured-in-crash-involving-train-in-pompano-beach/ |access-date=September 28, 2023 |publisher=WPLG |website=Local10.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |first1=Annaliese |last1=Garcia |first2=Christina |last2=Vazquez |date=May 4, 2022 |title=Driver of Jeep identified following deadly crash involving Brightline train in Hollywood |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/05/04/driver-of-jeep-dies-following-crash-involving-brightline-train-in-hollywood/ |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Local10.com |publisher=WPLG |language=en}} a viral video from April 2023 showed a Brightline locomotive colliding with a trailer of luxury cars,{{Cite web |last=Gilboy |first=James |date=2023-04-14 |title=Watch a Train Smash Into a Car Carrier Full of Porsches, Mercedes, and BMWs in Florida |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/florida-train-crashes-into-stuck-semi-truck-carrying-luxury-cars |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=The Drive |language=en}} and there was another fatality on September 28, 2023 just days after the line was extended to Orlando.{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Brightline reports first fatality on new extension to Orlando |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/brightline-orlando-fatality/45373914 |access-date=September 29, 2023 |website=WESH |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2023 |title=Brightline train headed to Orlando fatally strikes pedestrian |url=https://wsvn.com/news/local/florida/brightline-train-headed-to-orlando-fatally-strikes-pedestrian/ |access-date=September 29, 2023 |website=WSVN 7News {{!}} Miami News, Weather, Sports {{!}} Fort Lauderdale |language=en-US}} Three people were killed in two separate accidents on January 10 and 12, 2024 at the same crossing in Melbourne.{{Cite news |last=Frisaro |first=Freida |date=2024-01-13 |title=NTSB investigating 2 Brightline high speed train crashes that killed 3 people in Florida this week |url=https://apnews.com/article/brightline-high-speed-rail-florida-fatalities-67020b2cd33b6cbcf9d85ed029d18310# |access-date=2024-01-13 |work=Associated Press}}{{cite web| url = https://www.melbourneflorida.org/Home/Components/News/News/10271/| title = Traffic Crash Resulting in Death - Vehicle vs. Train| date = January 13, 2024| website = City of Melbourne, FL| access-date = February 5, 2024| archive-date = January 14, 2024| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240114052118/https://www.melbourneflorida.org/Home/Components/News/News/10271/| url-status = dead}} There have been no onboard fatalities as a consequence of accidents.

Law enforcement and federal reports found that the deaths were not caused by crew error or faulty equipment, but were all related to either suicides, or people trying to cross and beat the trains.{{Cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Victoria |last2=Papaycik |first2=Matt |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Lake Worth Beach death marks 3rd fatal Brightline crash in Palm Beach County in week |url=https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/lake-worth/3-deadly-brightline-train-accidents-in-1-week-in-palm-beach-county |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810070437/https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/lake-worth/3-deadly-brightline-train-accidents-in-1-week-in-palm-beach-county |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=WPTV |publisher=Scripps Media |language=en}} Outside railroad experts add that the problem lies with Floridians, used to trying to beat slower freight trains on the line, and not the new higher speed passenger trains.{{Cite web |last=Marquis |first=Erin |date=May 20, 2022 |title=America's Deadliest Train Is Getting Even Faster, Going Farther |url=https://jalopnik.com/americas-deadliest-train-is-getting-even-faster-going-1848956230 |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Jalopnik |language=en}} In many other countries – for example, Germany{{citation |publisher=DB Netz AG |url=https://www.deutschebahn.com/resource/blob/1173478/a757432042a02482d4c66fcbee61e5bf/FAQ_bahnuebergang-data.pdf |title=Fragen und Antworten Bahnübergänge |trans-title=Questions and Answers Railway Crossings |date=2018 |access-date=July 21, 2024}} – level crossings are not allowed to exist where trains faster than {{convert|100|mph|sigfig=2}} pass through, and in Japan – a nation very heavily reliant on rail transport – lines with grade crossings are restricted to {{convert|80|mph|sigfig=2}} maximum. {{cite web|url=https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr57/pdf/42-49web.pdf|title=Conventional Line Speed Increases and Development of Shinkansen|date=July 2023}}

By August 2024, more than 30 pedestrians and driver deaths had occurred in Palm Beach County since service began.{{cite news |last=Washburn |first=Maya |date=2024-08-26 |title=Police: Gardens man, 77, died when car hits Brightline train south of PGA Boulevard |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/pbgardens/2024/08/26/man-dead-after-car-crashes-into-brightline-train-in-palm-beach-gardens/74958224007/ |work=Palm Beach Post |location= |access-date=2024-09-03}}

On December 28, 2024, a Brightline service collided with a Delray Beach Fire Rescue fire truck at a grade crossing near Delray Beach. Three firefighters and twelve passengers were injured.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/28/florida-passenger-train-firetruck|date=December 28, 2024|title = High-speed passenger train collides with firetruck in Florida, injuring 15 people|access-date=December 28, 2024|website=The Guardian}}{{cite news |last1=Funk |first1=Josh |last2=Walker |first2=Julie |title=15 hurt in Florida when train hits fire truck that drove onto tracks after another train passed |url=https://apnews.com/article/train-fire-truck-florida-collision-381e53c970b5970de44ab4d11c4b9276 |work=AP News |publisher=Associated Press |date=28 December 2024 |language=en}}

• Transportation in Florida
• Transportation in South Florida
• Florida high speed rail

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite web |date=August 2015 |title=All Aboard Florida - Miami to Orlando Passenger Rail Service Final Environmental Impact Statement |url=https://railroads.dot.gov/environmental-reviews/all-aboard-florida/all-aboard-florida-miami-orlando-passenger-rail-service-0 |publisher=Federal Railroad Administration}}
• {{Cite web |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Surface Transportation Facility Revenue Bonds (Brightline Florida Passenger Rail Project), (Series 2019B Green Bonds) |url=https://emma.msrb.org/P31404863-P31092183-P31501205.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112030902/https://emma.msrb.org/P31404863-P31092183-P31501205.pdf |archive-date=January 12, 2021 |publisher=Florida Development Finance Corporation}}

{{Commons-inline}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Brightline rail}}

{{Florida railroads}}

{{Higher-speed rail}}

{{High-speed rail in the United States}}

{{South Florida rail metro system}}

{{Railway electrification}}

{{Subject bar|portal1=Trains|auto="yes"|d=Q27012668|voy=Rail travel in the United States|commons=Brightline|commonscat=Brightline|portal2=United States|portal3=Florida}}{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}

Category:2018 establishments in Florida

Category:Florida East Coast Railway

Category:Rail infrastructure in Florida

Category:Passenger rail transportation in Florida

Category:High-speed trains of the United States

Category:Proposed railway lines in Florida

Category:Railway services introduced in 2018

Category:Airport rail links in the United States

Category:Virgin Trains

Category:Transportation in Miami