"The Miami-based intercity rail system has not set an official opening date yet, but had targeted Sept. 1 as the earliest date of ticket sales for its 170-mile expansion to Orlando.
However, Brightline on Aug. 7 informed customers traveling on that initial weekend from Sept. 1-5 that it would not make that goal.
Brightline in its email to guests who bought a ticket said it would refund tickets in full, as well as give an additional premium credit equivalent to the size of the rider's party. For those traveling that weekend, it will have a 35% off discount with its rental car partner Avis.
Affected customers also will get the first announcement on when service will start. Changes will be visible in Brightline accounts and by email within the next three to five business days.
“We’re working through the final stages of certification and crew testing but it’s apparent that we won’t hit our opening weekend as planned," Brightline said in an unsigned statement. "Knowing it’s a holiday weekend, we want to give guests as much time as possible to adjust their travel plans. We have already started engaging them and will refund their tickets and provide a premium credit 'on us.' We hope they will rebook and enjoy the inaugural Brightline experience. We look forward to announcing an official date as soon as possible.”"
-----
"Brightline's website currently lists Sept. 7 as the first date with a full slate of service. Sept. 2 and 3 also have a single train listed, but it is unclear if that will be changed."
I'm surprised they don't just put the station at TIA (Tampa International Airport) The current train runs to Orlando Airport, not downtown Orlando. There is not a substantial local train or bus network in downtown Tampa. There is a cute tourist trolley that runs from the convention center to Amalie Arena (NHL Lightning Hockey), Channelside, The Florida Aquarium and Ybor City. But I don't really see a location to "Plug into the transportation network" other then the airport.
I could also see a "park and ride" station in East Tampa's major crossroads at I-75 and I-4 connection. There could be decent demand for traffic free 100+mph service to Orlando and Miami from there.
The trains in South Florida have been profitable, and they don't have enough trains so they're going to have to cut some service down there once they launch Orlando service. Its also only getting delayed by an additional week. They need more trains badly, thats the biggest issue, but they should be coming next year.
County commissioners to vote on plan to help fund ‘Sunshine Corridor’ rail project
By | September 5, 2023
Universal proposal would create community development district to help fund improvements including new station
ORLANDO, Fla. — Officials in Florida’s Orange County will be asked to approve a special development district to help pay for an 11-mile rail line that would link Brightline and SunRail service to Orlando International Airport, the county’s convention center, and theme parks, the Orlando Sentinel reports in a paywalled article.
Universal City Development Partners, which is affiliated with the Universal theme parks in the Orlando area, is asking Orange County commissioners to create the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District. The district would cover 719 acres, most of which involves Universal-owned land for an under-construction theme park, Epic Universe. Hilton is the only other property owner in the proposed district.
The board is scheduled to vote on the request Oct. 10 after a public hearing.
Property assessments from the district and the sale of tax-exempt bonds would be used to fund $174 million in public infrastructure. That includes a commitment of $125 million by Universal and other business for the “Sunshine Corridor” rail project [see “Orlando businesses pledge $125 million …,” Trains News Wire, May 6, 2022]. The commitment includes land and other support for a station currently estimated to cost $93 million.
A 2022 report from the Florida Department of Transportation said the full project could take 10 years and $6 billion to complete [see “Brightline, SunRail ‘Sunshine Corridor’ project could cost $6 billion …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 6, 2022]. The corridor is envisioned as a three-phase project: first connecting the airport to SunRail’s north-south corridor, then from that connection to the International Drive area including the Orange County Convention Center and theme parks, and finally with a Brightline extension to Tampa, Fla.
Community Development Districts, or CDDs, are allowed under Florida law to cover the costs of growth. They are widely used; the Sentinel reports there are about 935 in the state.
The countdown begins. Brightline will officially launch Brightline Orlando Station in Partnership with Orlando Health on September 22. Book your inaugural ride today.
The countdown begins. Brightline will officially launch Brightline Orlando Station in Partnership with Orlando Health on September 22. Book your inaugural ride today.
I heard the second delay was caused by some missing signs at some at-grade crossings, so it is not surprising that they were able to get that resolved quickly.
I'm looking forward to taking it for a spin soon! (now I just need an excuse to go to Miami...)
This isn't funny... some day you can ask me (over drinks) about my visit to Disneyland Paris and the train ride back. (ok, it's funny now, but not when it happened)
Brightline has announced a new partnership with Mears Transportation.
Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health and various popular destinations within the region. The Mears Transportation fleet will be incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service, Brightline+, available on its mobile app and website, enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction. Additionally, Brightline guests wishing to reserve a car may enjoy special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.
The new Brightline+ Shared Connect Shuttle and Luxury Private Ride powered by Mears allow guests to effortlessly extend their journey by reserving transportation to and from Orlando International Airport’s Brightline train station. Reservations can be made during the booking process or added by modifying a trip closer to travel dates beginning October 4. Once booked, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers.
“Last mile connectivity is an integral piece of the travel experience for our guests, Mears is the respected transportation leader in Central Florida and will be a valuable partner delivering our Brightline+ service in Orlando,” said Michael Lefevre, vice president of operations for Brightline. “Mears Transportation is familiar to Orlando travelers and a brand that aligns seamlessly with the level of hospitality our guests know and love.”
“As an Orlando based company, we are excited to welcome Brightline to Orlando and the Brightline guests traveling to and from the Orlando Station,” said Rebecca K Horton COO – Mears Transportation Group. “What a great addition to the Orlando area, connecting people between South and Central Florida! Brightline guests will have the opportunity to use Mears Luxury & Mears Connect services, pending their destination. We are grateful for the partnership with Brightline and our team is eager to get started.”
BRIGHTLINE+ IN ORLANDO
Shared Connect Shuttles Powered by Mears: Say hello to Orlando's exclusive 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service. Effortlessly connect to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts. Exceptional convenience comes standard: one-way adult fares start at just $16, and child fares begin at $13. As a bonus, little adventurers aged 3 and under ride for free.
Luxury Private Rides Powered by Mears: For guests seeking to elevate their Orlando travels to the level of luxury they've come to expect from Brightline+, we introduce Luxury Private Rides powered by Mears. Arrive in style at your Orlando destination aboard our carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans. Elegance is just a booking away, with rates starting at $63 per vehicle.
Locally based Mears Transportation and Avis Car Rental to deliver last mile mobility solutions across Central Florida. The fleet will be incorporated in Brightline+.
Brightline has announced a new partnership with Mears Transportation.
Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health and various popular destinations within the region. The Mears Transportation fleet will be incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service, Brightline+, available on its mobile app and website, enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction. Additionally, Brightline guests wishing to reserve a car may enjoy special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.
The new Brightline+ Shared Connect Shuttle and Luxury Private Ride powered by Mears allow guests to effortlessly extend their journey by reserving transportation to and from Orlando International Airport’s Brightline train station. Reservations can be made during the booking process or added by modifying a trip closer to travel dates beginning October 4. Once booked, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers.
“Last mile connectivity is an integral piece of the travel experience for our guests, Mears is the respected transportation leader in Central Florida and will be a valuable partner delivering our Brightline+ service in Orlando,” said Michael Lefevre, vice president of operations for Brightline. “Mears Transportation is familiar to Orlando travelers and a brand that aligns seamlessly with the level of hospitality our guests know and love.”
“As an Orlando based company, we are excited to welcome Brightline to Orlando and the Brightline guests traveling to and from the Orlando Station,” said Rebecca K Horton COO – Mears Transportation Group. “What a great addition to the Orlando area, connecting people between South and Central Florida! Brightline guests will have the opportunity to use Mears Luxury & Mears Connect services, pending their destination. We are grateful for the partnership with Brightline and our team is eager to get started.”
BRIGHTLINE+ IN ORLANDO
Shared Connect Shuttles Powered by Mears: Say hello to Orlando's exclusive 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service. Effortlessly connect to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts. Exceptional convenience comes standard: one-way adult fares start at just $16, and child fares begin at $13. As a bonus, little adventurers aged 3 and under ride for free.
Luxury Private Rides Powered by Mears: For guests seeking to elevate their Orlando travels to the level of luxury they've come to expect from Brightline+, we introduce Luxury Private Rides powered by Mears. Arrive in style at your Orlando destination aboard our carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans. Elegance is just a booking away, with rates starting at $63 per vehicle.
Locally based Mears Transportation and Avis Car Rental to deliver last mile mobility solutions across Central Florida. The fleet will be incorporated in Brightline+.
