Miami Today reports that Virgin Trains host and parent Florida East Coast Railway is still awaiting government certification for its PTC system, and that Tri-Rail can’t apply to become a tenant on the FEC tracks until after that certification is approved. Tri-Rail’s PTC is not compatible with the FEC system, so Tri-Rail must install compatible equipment on its locomotives and trackside.
Tri-Rail is investing $70 million to establish its service to the downtown MiamiCentral station, a project involving 26 trains and 9 miles of new infrastructure. Projections are that the service to downtown will draw an extra 1,000 passengers on the first day of service alone, Florida Today reports. Tri-Rail’s Miami terminal is currently at Miami International Airport, almost 5 miles from MiamiCentral’s downtown location.
