Brightline Launches Rail Service Connecting Miami to Orlando

Brightline’s passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami has officially commenced with the first train completing the 235 mile journey on September 22, 2023. The first train, Bright Pink, arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m. and was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. The celebration put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and marks the revitalization of Henry Flagler’s original vision for the Florida East Coast Railway. A decade in the making, Brightline’s launch is poised to reinvent train travel in America and offers a blueprint to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive.

The start of service was celebrated at the Brightline Orlando Station with guests who joined Brightline’s Founder Wes Edens, CEO Mike Reininger and President Patrick Goddard. Upon the train's arrival, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer greeted guests on the platform and presented the Key to the City to Edens who was joined by Reininger, Goddard and other Brightline representatives. Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority and more, were present to greet the first train.

Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. Construction on its 170 mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019. The $6 billion project has generated substantial economic benefits in Florida creating 10,000 jobs and approximately $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the region. Construction teams worked more than seven million hours over the course of four years to complete the project.

Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between 3 and 3.5 hours depending on South Florida station stops.

Brightline has quickly become known for its guest experience, innovative station design, spacious lounges and comfortable train sets. Designed by The Rockwell Group, and set with Brightline’s signature yellow, the stations are meticulously built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. All stations and trains are packed with amenities including Starlink Wifi, chargers and outlets at every seat, and a selection of food, beverage and cocktails available for purchase for SMART and complimentary for PREMIUM. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of light bites, beverages and cocktails throughout the day at one of Brightline’s signature in-station Mary Mary Bars or pick up last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments at one of the MRKT shopping retail locations.

The new Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health, is located at MCO’s 37,350 square foot Train Station adjacent to its new Terminal C. This is the only intercity passenger rail station of its kind to be located in a U.S. airport and stands three-stories tall, including a 72,000 square feet platform area, making it the company’s largest train station. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces marked for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes.

MiamiCentral is strategically located on an 11-acre complex in downtown Miami and represents Brightline’s southern flagship terminus. MiamiCentral is a unique live-work-play destination featuring luxury rental residences, commercial offices and dynamic retail and entertainment space. Guest’s looking to connect have a number of options including Brightline+, the Miami Metromover and Metrorail which are both connected to the station.

Brightline trainsets were made in partnership with Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, Calif. The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture trainset exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.

Brightline’s Orlando extension showcases engineering skill, cutting edge technology and design to create a transportation system that redefines intercity travel.

The Orlando expansion project included 56 bridges, including 18 new bridges, three underpasses, drainage installations, track and signalization installation and 60 track miles of new rail. Over the four years of construction, upgrades and improvements were made to three underpasses and 156 railroad crossings. Engineering of double track under active airport taxiways and tug roads and a new 35-mile rail alignment along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, were also made.

The expansion to Orlando also included the development of Basecamp, a $100 million state-of-the-art train maintenance facility situated on 62-acres south of Orlando International Airport (MCO). The facility operates 24/7, servicing trains with skilled engineers, conductors, technicians and inspectors.

Brightline’s phase I and II construction along with the launch of service have and will have an indelible impact on the state's economy. Independent studies show the combination of construction and operations will generate more than 10,000 jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs and over $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the state. The system is expected to have a major impact on Florida’s travel and workforce industries while bringing a sustainable transportation alternative. Environmental benefits are equally impressive and include reduced highway and city congestion and CO2 emissions by an estimated 72,000 metric tons per year. Studies show the system will remove more than three million cars from roadways each year.

In 2022, Brightline launched a concierge service to connect guests to and from stations with Brightline+. The mobility service, powered by the Brightline app, makes planning a trip with Brightline from start to finish seamless through its add-on options available within the booking platform. Ground transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor with new Brightline+ products including MEARS shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options through Avis. Upon booking a Brightline ticket, guests will receive confirmation email and instructions on how to add extras, such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their trip date.

Brightline recently unveiled a new digital experience for guests featuring a redesigned website and native mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The enhanced guest journey is driven by a cutting-edge backend system, modern and intuitive design, and multiple additional upgraded features. Introduced ahead of expanded service connecting Miami and Orlando, the new digital journey transforms the booking process into a fast, dependable and frictionless system.

Images via Brightline

Florida East Coast Industries Lists ParkLine Miami Residential Above Brightline’s MiamiCentral Station For $500 Million

Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) announced the listing of ParkLine, its signature residential tower above Brightline’s MiamiCentral Station, for $500 million. The property, which consists of two iconic towers totaling 816 luxury residential units, will be listed on the market by the commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield. The firm’s Florida team of Robert Given, Troy Ballard and Zachary Sackley will lead the marketing efforts along with the support of the New York and Los Angeles offices which will include Doug Harmon, Adam Spies and Rob Rubano. The two ParkLine towers are part of a master-plan adjacent to 2 and 3 MiamiCentral, 285,000 SF of Class A office towers, and over 160,000 SF of retail. ParkLine Miami is the largest, single multifamily asset in the Southeastern US to be listed for sale to date. 

Residents at ParkLine Miami have direct elevator access to the MiamiCentral Brightline station along with the station’s new 26,000 SF culinary center by C3, Citizens, which will house elevated restaurants by globally-renowned chefs such as “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto and Michelin Starred chef Dani García. Residents will also have direct access to retailers such as Publix, Starbucks, Chic-fil-A, Joe & The Juice and Einstein Bagels located adjacent to the property.

FECI developed ParkLine Miami as a transit-oriented development to complement the $4.5 billion invested in Brightline trains, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly high-speed rail in the nation. It is the most significant transit-oriented development (TOD) offering in the Southeastern US. Brightline currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach with expansion stations in Aventura and Boca Raton opening in 2022. Construction to Orlando is on track to be complete by the end of 2022. Discussions remain underway with local stakeholders regarding expansion to Disney and Tampa. Brightline projects over nine million annual passengers once all Florida stations are completed. 

“This is a rare opportunity indeed, as the towers sit directly atop and are connected to the Brightline train platforms, in addition to three other modes of rail transportation and over 160,000 SF of retail in MiamiCentral,” noted Robert Given, executive vice chairman at Cushman & Wakefield. “MiamiCentral will undeniably be the center of gravity of the Miami MSA for generations to come.” 

The future expansion of MiamiCentral includes a Miami-Dade commuter rail system with stations in Wynwood, the Design District, El Portal, North Miami and FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus. With the stations in Orlando and Tampa, the connectivity provided by ParkLine Miami is unprecedented in the multifamily environment. 

“ParkLine is the definition of metropolitan living and FECI strategically built these two towers above Brightline to offer a car-optional lifestyle and promote alternative, eco-friendly transportation options,” said Sarah Watterson, chief development officer at FECI. “More and more, people who live at the core of major cities today seek a lifestyle of interconnectivity without sacrificing time and money. ParkLine is meeting those needs and more with its integration to Brightline.” 

In addition to the Tri-County connectivity provided by Brightline and MiamiCentral, ParkLine Miami’s residents will benefit from Brightline’s new and first-of-its-kind, door-to-door service. This will include a fleet of both private and third-party vendor vehicles supporting point-to-point service beyond the train and making a car-optional lifestyle possible. All services will be available through the Brightline app and will further create transportation access to everything from scooters, bikes and electric micro-rides to shuttles and chauffeured Teslas.  

Perched above Downtown Miami, at 100 NW 6th Street, ParkLine Miami puts residents just minutes from the city’s hottest neighborhoods, including Wynwood and the Design District, with access to a plethora of dining, retail, arts and culture, and events. Opt for a stroll to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Frost Science Museum, Perez Art Museum or FTX Arena. The property is also adjacent to Miami World Center, a $4 billion development underway with over 300,000 SF of retail slated to begin openings this year. Convenient accessibility to the Miami Metrorail and Metromover allows for a car-free lifestyle, with major thoroughfare I-95 located nearby for those who so desire.

By Katya Demina

MiamiCentral Station Reveals Stantec Interiors for Park-Line Miami Residences By Brightline

MiamiCentral Station has revealed the new Stantec-designed interiors of the new two-tower, 816-unit Park-Line Miami Residences by Brightline. The globally-acclaimed architecture and design firm Stantec designed the lobby interiors of the north tower plus the amenity spaces, corridors, and unit finishes of both 30-story towers, located above Brightline’s MiamiCentral passenger rail station.

“Our vision for the design concept was the refined tailored traveler that resides in the heart of the city and travels the world,” said Raed Alawadhi, senior designer at Stantec. “We incorporated dark colors found in tailored suits and the brown tones of antique leather luggage and travel bags along with warm woods, creamy neutral tones, and deep blues to create the timeless sophisticated interiors.”

The lobby interiors feature wood ceilings, herringbone stone tile flooring, and warm wood with metal accents. Open seating areas are anchored by custom leather wall panels and a dramatic chandelier with shimmering mesh metal fabric that illuminates the room. A green wall at the end of the entrance creates a focal point and brings a touch of nature to the space. The lobby lounge, which is decorated with natural hues and textures and complimented with luxury fabrics, leads into the valet waiting area, where TV screens let residents know when their car will arrive. Residents are also an elevator ride away from the train station, where they can access service to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with service to Aventura and Boca expected in late 2021 and to Orlando in 2022.

In addition to the lobby, Stantec designed the interiors of the amenity decks located on the seventh floor of both towers. The interiors of the north tower feature stylish lounge areas,  intimate lighting, and  dark blue and green velvet and leather furnishings. A gaming area offers foosball, shuffleboard, and a pool table while the entertainment space has a dining area and wet bar. There’s also a private meeting room and co-working space available for residents. 

The south tower’s amenity level includes a reception desk with a custom woven screen wall, a 3,500 square-foot gym, a fitness lounge with sofas, med spa and massage rooms, and a dog spa. The yoga room is surrounded by windows with views to the outside deck, known as SkyPark, which sits between the two towers.

Park-Line Miami has a total of 816 residences that include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The units have floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, bathrooms with chrome fixtures, and kitchens with modern Italian cabinetry, quartz countertops, and subway tiling. 

“Park-Line Miami’s thoughtful design and finishes combined with our multitude of modalities allow us to offer a living experience unlike anything Miami has ever seen,” said Najam Syed, head of asset management at Brightline Trains. “The almost two-acre private park-like setting with an outdoor track, a world-class fitness facility, and forward-thinking live, work, and play amenities make Park-Line Miami a truly unique asset. We are proud to have partnered with Stantec in bringing our vision of Transit Oriented Development to life.” 

Stantec is ranked among the top 10 architecture firms by Architectural Record. The firm has designed numerous prominent projects throughout Florida, including Solitair Brickell; YotelPAD Miami; Luma at Miami Worldcenter; Yard 8 in Midtown Miami; 17 West in Miami Beach; Avalon Doral; and Wynwood Square. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

License Agreement Ends Between Brightline And Virgin Trains USA Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The partnership between Brightline and Virgin Trains has been terminated amid the COVID-19 pandemic and South Florida’s new commuter train service will go back to using the Brightline brand. The train service which runs between Downtown Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, has not run since March 25 and has laid off 250 employees. Virgin Trains USA was expected to make a minority investment into the Brightline train system which was set to complete their rebrand to Virgin Trains by mid-2020. Brightline and Virgin Trains had signed a Licensing Agreement in November 2018 although Brightline’s parent company, Fortress Investment Group, reportedly sent a termination notice in July of this year.

MiamiCentral Featuring Brightline Tabs Tony Cho’s Metro 1 Commercial As Exclusive Retail Brokerage For Development

Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) has hired leading commercial brokerage firm Metro 1 Commercial, LLC to spearhead retail leasing efforts for the state-of-the-art development, MiamiCentral, Miami's most connected, mixed-use transportation hub. Metro 1 will target approximately 130,000 SF of MiamiCentral’s newly constructed retail space, with a focus on food & beverage, health & wellness and other lifestyle-driven tenants.

Andres Nava, VP of Commercial Leasing and Grace Chance, a leasing associate who recently joined Metro 1 after several years leasing Brickell City Centre, will lead efforts on behalf of Metro 1. Metro 1 Commercial’s emphasis on transit-oriented development (TOD) and proven track record for successfully utilizing retail to differentiate and elevate emerging neighborhoods played a key role in the firm’s selection.

“Metro 1 has been a catalyst in the evolution of South Florida’s most engaging projects and neighborhoods,” said Tad Templeton, vice president of retail leasing for FECI. “We are eager to have Tony and his team on board and look forward to working together in delivering that same dynamic to MiamiCentral.”

Located in the heart of Downtown, MiamiCentral aims to address the steady increase in demand for walkable, retail-driven centers caused by the area’s sharp increase in population. A recent report published by Miami’s Downtown Development Authority shows a nearly 40% increase in Downtown residents since 2010, with an average of 1,500 new residents per year. This growth not only positions MiamiCentral as the focal point for downtown commerce, but also primes the project to have far-reaching effects on the entire district.

“More than a leasing agreement, we see this as an opportunity to play a key part in downtown’s rebirth,” said Tony Cho, Founder and CEO of Metro 1 Commercial. “Finding retail partners who bring something new and exciting to an area while staying true to its historic identity is a unique challenge, but one that inspires our entire team. We’ve had incredible results throughout neighborhoods like Wynwood and Magic City, and look forward to bringing our unique approach to MiamiCentral.”

"MiamiCentral is poised to become one of Miami’s most connected, mixed-use hubs featuring transportation, retail, residences and offices. Its status as one of the city’s most high-profile transit-oriented projects, the built-in rental units and, of course, the thousands of people already using Brightline, makes this a dynamic property with huge potential,” said Nava.

MiamiCentral represents the city’s most central, multimodal transportation center considering its  proximity to I-95 within the Central Business District and several key neighborhoods including Park West, Biscayne Corridor, Arts and Entertainment District, Brickell and the Health District. In addition to its connection to Metromover and Metrorail, MiamiCentral serves as Brightline’s southern terminus featuring inter-city, express passenger rail service between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Future mass transit expansion plans and upcoming developments—including Brightline’s Orlando service, integration of Tri-Rail’s Downtown Miami Link within MiamiCentral and the delivery of the Miami Worldcenter Marriott Marquis World Convention Center Hotel. Additionally, MiamiCentral will house Downtown Miami’s only food hall, Central Fare, set to feature unique and authentic vendors and well-crafted experiences focused on bringing food and beverage concepts that build community.

Brightline to Kick Off Service To Miami Via MiamiCentral Station May 19

Brightline will officially begin passenger service from Fort Lauderdale to Miami on May 19. Tickets are now on sale for the rail service connecting West Palm Beach to Downtown Miami, priced from $10 for Smart Service which offers 19' seats; and $15 for select service, which features 21' seats, more leg room, complimentary snacks and beverages as well as access to premium select lounge. West Palm Beach to Miami is available from $15 for smart service and $25 for select service. A grand opening weekend is already nearly sold out with tickets priced from $3 to $5. Brightline MiamiCentral Station is located at 600 NW 1st Avenue and features CentralFare, a 50,000 SF food hall slated to open fall 2018 complete with Einstein's Bros. Bagels, Joe & The Juice and Starbucks. 

Brightline is setting the new benchmark for travel by train in America with express inter-city passenger rail service connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with future service to Orlando. Providing a travel option that lives at the intersection of transportation and hospitality, the service is expected to reduce traffic and provide South Floridians with a simple and intuitive experience from door to destination, and foster new opportunities to explore more of Southeast Florida. Brightline will be the only privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail system in the United States.