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Brightline is celebrating the first anniversary of its Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health, establishing a critical link between Central and South Florida.
The Orlando Station redefines passenger rail in America, marking a level of service and connectivity that hasn’t existed in Florida in over 100 years. Brightline is committed to revolutionizing intercity travel with a seamless, car-free and carefree journey and will continue to set new standards unmatched by any other passenger rail service in the U.S.
Since opening the Orlando Station in September 2023, Brightline has traveled 5.4 million miles with 2.6 million rides taken, totaling 1.9 million cars off the road. This demand is consistent with the ramp-up seen with similar systems around the globe.
During the past year, Brightline has been recognized by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the World and named one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, with a special acknowledgment as the No.1 Company in Social Good. The company also hosted key U.S. leaders, including USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, underscoring its national significance.
Additionally, Brightline received recognition as a Webby Award Honoree in 2024 for its new app and website, designed to offer a seamless booking experience for guests. With features like real-time train status notifications and a user-friendly interface, Brightline’s app has earned more than 6,000 five-star ratings, making it a favorite among mobile app users.
“This has been a historic year for Brightline and high-speed rail in America, and the support we have received from the communities in Florida has been incredible,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “The connections we’ve built between Central and South Florida are transforming lives — businesses are expanding, families are spending more time together, and tourists are exploring more of what our state has to offer.
“As we look to the future, Brightline will continue to innovate, connect communities, and offer an experience that is not only convenient but truly transformative. My deepest thanks to all our teammates who make these innovations possible,” Goddard added.
“The true impact of linking Miami and Orlando as major international gateway destinations cannot be understated,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We applaud Brightline’s continued work in providing seamless ways for our guests to enjoy everything from world-class beaches and cultural landmarks to our Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning hotels.”
Looking ahead: What’s next for Brightline guests
A New Fleet of Coaches: Brightline is on track to expand its fleet of eight trainsets with 30 new coaches over the next year, including 20 Smart and 10 Premium. The first of these coaches will be delivered within a few weeks, traveling more than 3,000 miles from Sacramento, CA to Orlando, FL. Expect the first five new coaches in service this fall.
A Brightline Events Guide: Created by Brightline and sourced by the community, this online resource is the soon-to-be hub for top events, attractions, and things to do in Florida’s top destinations — from concerts and festivals to sports, state parks, rooftop bars and brunches. Discover event details, directions, special offers, and the best part: arrive in style with Brightline. Set to launch this year.
Loyalty Program: Get ready to earn rewards with every trip. Brightline’s new loyalty program is launching in the first half of 2025, offering exclusive perks and benefits for travelers.
TikTok Channel Launch: Join Brightline on TikTok for travel tips and behind-the-scenes content. Follow Brightline on TikTok at @brightlinetrains to be part of the journey and see how we’re making every trip extraordinary.
ADA Services: Accessibility is fundamental for Brightline. As the preferred transportation provider for Special Olympics athletes in 2024, Brightline continues to explore modern and seamless accessibility travel options for all guests with the first on-demand ADA transportation service for first-and-last-mile. For more information on Brightline’s ADA-accessible travel options, check out the new Accessible Travel page at www.gobrightline.com/accessibility/adaProviding.
Order-to-Seat: Brightline continues to bring innovative amenities to its guests with the launch of order-to-seat onboard its fleet. This new feature will allow guests to order food, beverages, and sundry items directly to their seats via a mobile webpage, seamlessly integrated with Square’s Point of Sale (POS) software.
Everglades Foundation Partnership: Sustainability is central to Brightline, with the first green partnership launched to celebrate a joint commitment to restore and protect one of Florida’s most vital natural resources. The Everglades plays a crucial role in supplying clean freshwater for millions of Floridians, including those near four South Florida Brightline stations.
Notch 8 Graduates of 2024 and a New Class for 2025: The Notch 8 program continues to foster the next generation of conductors in transportation. The company celebrates the 2024 graduates and looks forward to continuing this program and investing in the talent that will drive the future of Brightline.
RAISE Grant Construction to Begin: Ensuring the safety of guests and communities remains a top priority. Looking ahead to the new year, construction will begin on safety improvements funded by the RAISE Grant, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of the service. In collaboration with communities and state and federal governments, additional improvements such as fencing, signage, delineators and exit gates are planned.
Expansion: In Florida, Brighltine is continuing to plan expansion stations in Cocoa and the Treasure Coast.
For more information about Brightline and upcoming initiatives, visit www.gobrightline.com.
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