The Brightline high speed train is a new transportation option for Floridians wanting to travel between Orlando and Miami without ever getting on The Turnpike or I-95 which bottlenecks in the South Florida area.
The train project has been under construction in South Florida, with stations in downtown West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami nearing completion, and the first trains arriving in South Florida.
However, “phase 2” which would connect West Palm Beach and Orlando has been delayed due to lawsuits and permitting issues according to the Orlando Business Journal.
Attorneys representing Indian River and Martin counties allege the DOT bypassed protocol pertaining to environmental impact studies which gave Brightline access to over $1 billion worth of tax-exempt bonds which would allow them to construct the train line through their cities.
The train was expected to run between Miami and Orlando by year-end however that time table has been given a 2.5 year delay to secure the permits and appease the ongoing litigation.
I for one can’t wait for this train to be finished. I find myself traveling between Orlando and south Florida almost monthly to visit family and friends and would utilize the service often.
The Orlando station will be located near the new south terminal at Orlando International Airport in an inter-modal terminal which is slated to house Brightline, SunRail’s new airport connection, and future light rail service to the International Drive/tourist corridor.
You can read more about Brightine’s Orlando delay at Orlando Business Journal.
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