Florida’s higher-speed rail service, Brightline, has
announced network enhancements to meet ridership demand and improve guest
experience.
Following two years of full-service operations across
the state along with guest feedback and data analysis, Brightline has
responded to the need for more capacity at high-demand travel times, simplified
pricing and premium changes, taking effect in early October.
“These changes reflect our commitment to delivering a
predictable, reliable, and comfortable travel
experience,” said Patrick Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, Brightline
Florida. “We’ve listened to our guests and studied ridership trends to ensure
our network evolves with their needs.”
Expanded Service and Schedule Adjustments
Brightline is testing a new schedule designed to expand
capacity and enhance service during peak hours to include:
- 5 southbound trains arrive in MiamiCentral
between 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- 5 northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between
3:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- 4 northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between
7:45 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
- 4 southbound trains arrive MiamiCentral between
4:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Boca Raton offers more daily departures, increasing the
number of stops from 19 to the 28 daily departures with 80 percent of South
Florida trains and 90 percent of Orlando-bound trains including a Boca Raton
stop.
Brightline will deploy longer 8-coach trains during peak
travel periods between South and Central Florida, growing to 10-coach trains
before the end of 2025, adding nearly 100 percent more capacity.
Peak and Off-Peak Pricing
Guests traveling within South Florida will now see predictable
pricing based on peak and off-peak travel windows, aligned with commute times
and rush-hour demand. Special event
trains such as the HOME RUNNER for Marlins baseball games, END ZONE EXPRESS for
Dolphins football games, and CONCERT CONNECT for special events will be
designated as peak.
PREMIUM Product Enhancements
New additions to PREMIUM tickets include:
- Pre-boarding service in Miami and Orlando
- Dedicated Guest Services line and turnstile
access
- Priority baggage claim
- Complimentary checked bag (standard size), in
addition to two carry-on size bags
- Onboard welcome refreshments
Other modifications include some updates to the on-board
food and drink menu for guests in SMART, enhanced food options in stations, and
a new website feature that allows guests to toggle on or off taxes/fees when
viewing ticket prices.
“As guests have integrated Brightline into their lives, we
continue to learn valuable lessons about their preferences,” added Goddard.
“Brightline has shown people will get out of their cars and integrate
hospitality-driven train travel into their lives. We believe these changes will
enhance that experience even further.”
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