Finally, Brightline higher-speed passenger trains are expected to begin introductory service later this week. But many questions remain. We try to answer the most frequent ones in this unofficial consumer guide.
How many trains will be running?
Brightline initially will travel between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with plans to add Miami soon and eventually Orlando. The company has said it plans to run up to four trains hourly from early morning to late evening for as many as 16 round trips per day. Each train consists of two engines and four coaches that can carry a total of 240 passengers. Fewer trains could run during the introductory roll-out.
How long will it take to get from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach?
Brightline officials said trains will take 30 minutes traveling at a top speed of 79 mph.
How much will a ticket cost?
No one knows. Brightline has not revealed its ticket prices, nor has it announced a schedule for the trains. Or even which day they will start.
Why is it taking so long to find out ticket prices?
Brightline is keeping a lid on the information. CEO David Howard would say only that ticket prices will be revealed before service begins and once its eCommerce website and mobile app are set up. The prices will make the train competitive with driving, Brightline says. People would be able to buy individual tickets, 10-packs, weekend, weekly, monthly, annual and corporate ticket packages, he said.
