Tugboat strikes FEC-Brightline drawbridge in Stuart, Fla.

Boat approaches open drawbridge

STUART, Fla. — The Florida East Coast Railway drawbridge over the St. Lucie River was rendered impassible to marine traffic today (Saturday, Sept. 30) after being struck by a tugboat pulling a barge, according to information from Brightline posted on the Martin County Board of County Commissioners Facebook page. The tugboat struck the northwest fender […]

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Miami-Aventura commuter rail service to rise in priority, and price

Train at station in area with construction

MIAMI — Development of commuter rail between downtown Miami and Aventura on the route owned by Florida East Coast Railway and served by Brightline is set to receive increased priority, and has a new higher price tag. Miami Today reports the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, which oversees county transportation development, will vote this week to […]

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Brightline’s new ballgame

Train at golden hour

ORLANDO—Last week’s hoopla is over. So how is Brightline executing its Orlando-Miami service and how is it being received by passengers? Trains News Wire booked a “Smart” class seat on Saturday morning, Sept. 23, from Orlando to West Palm Beach to find out. Vibrant airport venue You knew the experience had begun to evolve from […]

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Brightline inaugurates Orlando service

Yellow, white, and black passenger train arriving at station. Brightline inaugurates Orlando service.

The mood was one of celebration and accomplishment as the first Brightline train pulled into the new Orlando International Airport station on Friday. The arrival signaled the start of revenue service between Miami and Orlando, linking major population centers and attractions in the northern and southern portions of Florida. [see “Brightline Orlando to launch service […]

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Brightline Orlando to launch service Sept. 22

black and yellow high-speed train. Brightline Orlando to launch service Sept. 22.

MIAMI — Brightline announced today that service to Orlando International Airport will begin on Sept. 22, 2023. The new service will offer connections between Orlando and South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach), the company stated in a press release. “Opening Orlando fulfills our ultimate business model. We have seen incredible […]

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Start of Brightline service to Orlando is again pushed back

Yellow and white streamlined locomotive at station

ORLANDO, Fla. — The start of Brightline service to Orlando has been further pushed back, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The passenger operator has yet to announce an official first date of service but has been selling tickets for dates in September. It is now offering refunds, upgrades to premium seats, and discounts on Avis rental […]

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Additional work scheduled on Stuart, Fla., rail bridge (updated)

Boat approaches open drawbridge

STUART, Fla. — Additional time has been added for rehabilitation work on the St. Lucie River Drawbridge in Stuart, Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway have announced. While intermittent closures were scheduled to continue today (Wednesday, Aug. 30) and Thursday, Aug. 31, an additional extended full closure has now been added on Thursday from 5:30 […]

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