The first phase of the network from Miami to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach is due to open in 2017. The project is being financed through a mix of debt and equity without federal or state grants. All Aboard Florida says operation of the network will be self-sustaining with no requirement for subsidies.
All Aboard Florida forecasts ridership of 5.3 million and farebox revenues of $US 294m by 2020. The project includes a $US 1.5bn investment in upgrading FEC's existing Miami - Orlando line and will reduce the journey time for passenger trains on the 390km corridor to around three hours with sixteen services per day in each direction.
