ORLANDO — Brightline is targeting the second quarter of 2023 for the start of service to Orlando, the Orlando Business Journal reports, citing the company’s monthly revenue and ridership report to bondholders.
Brightline spokeswoman Katie Mitzner says 90% of construction is now complete on the 170-mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando. The company had said it plans to start Orlando service this year, with the date still to be determined.
But the passenger operator still has a number of significant milestones to clear before the start of operation would be possible, most notably the start of 125-mph testing on the portion of the route between Cocoa, Fla., and Orlando International Airport. The Federal Railroad Administration is still accepting comment on plans for the test procedures on that segment through Feb. 21 [see “Brightline update: PTC plans outlined …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 3, 2023].
Testing is also continuing on various portions of route between Cocoa and West Palm Beach where trains will operate at 110 mph, with testing in northern Palm Beach County at speeds up to 110 mph set to begin this Friday, Feb. 17.
A number of other factors could delay the launch of service. Among them: U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), a vocal opponent of the Brightline expansion, has sent the FRA a letter asking that the agency pause all preparations for the Orlando service pending conclusion of a National Transportation Safety Board investigation into a Feb. 8 grade crossing accident that killed two people.
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