Brightline Celebrates Completion of Orlando Construction
Brightline celebrated the completion of construction to Orlando, paving the way for the launch of service between Central and South Florida this summer.
To mark the completion of construction, mayors representing Brightline station cities along with the Brightline Orlando construction route gathered to celebrate with a roundtable conversation on transportation and economic impact in Florida.
Brightline has been working on the Orlando expansion since 2019, just a year after service launched between the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations. Additional stations were opened in downtown Boca Raton and Aventura in 2022.
Phase I and II of Brightline construction generated over 10,000 jobs and more than $6.4 billion in economic impact on Florida. Construction teams worked more than seven million hours battling through the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain shortages to finish the 170-mile corridor extension.
Mayors, Brightline’s construction management team members and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority commemorated the end of construction by creating an iconic photo that symbolizes the connection between Miami and Orlando by rail.
“Completing this project is the culmination of more than a decade of dedication, determination and hard work,” Brightline CEO Mike Reininger said. “Our team has shown its relentless ability to navigate and overcome challenges to bring us where we are today. We have built something remarkable, and I am excited to see millions of people ride brighter.”
Brightline is continuing critical high-speed train testing throughout the corridor between West Palm Beach and Orlando and will test up to 110 miles per hour through Brevard County in July. Once testing is complete, Brightline will conduct crew certification and revenue service demonstration.
Travelers can purchase tickets for service between Orlando and South Florida from September through early 2024 at gobrightline.com or by downloading the app. Brightline will offer one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids and one-way PREMIUM fares begin at $149.