Exciting times ahead for Central Florida as today we move a step closer to rail travel between Orlando and Miami, which Brighline expect to happen in the second-quarter of 2023.
Brightline have revealed that starting today, Wednesday, March 1, they will begin testing trains at maximum speeds of 125 miles-per-hour between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa.
The testing is taking place along the new 35-mile dedicated rail corridor that runs parallel to the Beachline Expressway/SR 528 in Orange and Brevard Counties.
The rail corridor is fenced and as there are no public grade crossings. the train testing will not impact motorists. Brightline trains will be testing between 7am and 7pm daily and testing will continue throughout the Spring.
Brightline’s current testing along the corridor from Cocoa south to West Palm Beach is ongoing, reaching speeds of up to 110 mph.
The testing is happening as we get ready to ride the rails soon between Orlando and Miami, with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.
Plus further down the line, plans have been revealed, that the line from Miami to Orlando International Airport could eventually link to Tampa, via the main tourist hub in International Drive, with a new station located near the Convention Center.
Known as the Sunshine Corridor, this link in conjunction with SunRail will allow connections to the station at Orange County Convention Center, a possible station near Walt Disney World Resort and onto Tampa.
The 170-mile expansion connecting Orlando to South Florida stations is 90% complete, AND Brighlineexpect trains to be rolling between Orlando and Miami in the second-quarter of 2023. Brightline also expect to finish its currently under construction Orlando Station as early as March.
Brightline has already unveiled exciting renderings of what millions of passengers can expect when they are waiting to ride the rails at Central Florida’s latest attraction, Brightline’s Orlando Station, located at Orlando International Airport.
Here is a look at what travellers can expect once inside the new Orlando Station.
The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium.
Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks.
They will then check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening area. Brightline is currently the only rail system in America that screens all passengers and bags prior to boarding.
“This world class train station continues our mission of transforming train travel in America,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “We have carefully thought through each detail of this station to ensure that it exceeds the expectations of the modern traveler.”
The station takes the luxury amenities Brightline is known for to new heights featuring an upscale retail experience with convenient in-station shopping and its Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and lite bites.
The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platform where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart the platform.
Located above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, flip-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the flip-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with the flip-flap sound reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America.
The new station will provide modern and luxurious seating areas throughout the station.
The station will also feature a kids section within the lounge area.
There will also be a premium lounge for first class passengers.
First class passengers can expect a quiet, and luxurious space to relax while waiting for a train.
Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevators to the first level platform and board from one of two new track platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and will accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives that will transport guests on the Orlando to Miami route in just over three hours.
Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service, will provide complimentary drinks and snacks in a dedicated lounge and train coach. Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a children’s play area located in the SMART lounge.
The 37,350 square foot station is located in the heart of Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Terminal C and connects directly to the airport’s parking deck C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces reserved for Brightline guests. An automated people mover connects the terminal to the rest of the airport facilities including Terminal A and B in under five minutes.
Brightline’s Orlando station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami, Florida, that also designed the newly opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority owned business whose headquarters are based in Orlando, Florida, and employs more than 100 workers on this project.
For more information about Brightline’s Orlando station, visit www.gobrightline.com/orlando.
