BRIGHTLINE plans to restart passenger operations on the Miami - West Palm Beach route on November 8 for the first time since March 25 2020 when Covid-19 travel restrictions forced the suspension of services.
As part of the restart of its services, Brightline is offering special ticket promotions including the ‘first ride free’ through a new app for smart ride offers during November.
Passengers were able to purchase tickets through the operator’s new website or mobile app from October 20. Introductory ticket prices start at $US 10 for smart and $US 27 for premium class.
A door-to-door service is also being introduced, with a fleet of private and third-party vehicles providing connectivity to stations. By using the app passengers will be able to plan onward journeys on public transport, scooters, shuttles and chauffeured vehicles. There are also plans to integrate with local public transport agencies to improve further connectivity.
Brightline began testing of its full service from October 14 on its 107.8km route between West Palm Beach and Miami although it could only operate at Federal Railroad Administration-approved and authorised speeds of 127km/h.
“Our relaunch opens a new chapter for Brightline that includes an enhanced guest experience, from the moment they book their travel plans on our app, to the moment they reach their final destination,” says Mr Patrick Goddard, Brightline president.
The first of five new Siemens trains build in Sacramento for Brightline arrived in West Palm Beach on October 14. The new push-pull trains are formed of four coaches and two 3MW Charger SBC-40 diesel-electric locomotives at each end. All five trains will be delivered by next summer, and will initially be used on the Miami - West Palm Beach line. The trains were ordered for the 273.6km Phase 2 extension to Orlando.
An interview with Brightline is available for IRJ digital subscribers here and will appear in the November 2021 edition of IRJ.
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