Brightline Becomes First Passenger Rail Service With SpaceX Starlink On Board

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly intercity rail in America, has become the first passenger rail service in the world to offer Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband service. The implementation of Starlink on board its trains is part of Brightline's digital transformation which focuses on a guest-first experience to elevate each traveler's unique journey. Brightline selected to partner with Starlink, which is engineered and operated by SpaceX, to offer wifi on board and demonstrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability paired with cutting edge technology that will set the stage for a better connected passenger rail service around the world.

Starlink's internet connectivity is available on Brightline’s fleet of trains servicing South Florida between Miami and West Palm Beach. The service will soon include the new five-train fleet to service Orlando this summer - for a total of 10 trains between South and Central Florida. Starlink internet is complimentary for all Brightline guests.

"Brightline will be the first train sets in the world to use the Starlink system. This really speaks to what we represent - an innovative passenger rail provider paving the way for high-speed rail in the US,” said Kevin T. McAuliffe, chief technology & digital innovation officer at Brightline. “Brightline is working with some of the best tech teams around the globe and our partnership with Starlink will elevate our brand to the stars.”

Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world and is made possible via the world’s largest constellation of highly advanced satellites operating in a low orbit around the Earth. Its constellation of satellites orbit the planet at about 550km, and cover the entire globe with significantly lower latency —around 25 ms vs 600+ ms. Traditional satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at 35,786 km with only 1 roundtrip signal to Earth per every 70 round trip signals by Starlink. As a result, Starlink has the capability to provide a seamless connection, making it possible to support everyday uses of WiFi including streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data rate activities through even the most rural areas.

Starlink has already provided internet services to residences, businesses, and transportation providers in the aviation and marine industries, with Hawaiian Airlines, Royal Caribbean Group, and Carnival Corporation among its customers. Brightline will be its first venture into the railroad and passenger rail industry.

“As the first rail service in the world to adopt Starlink, Brightline continues to lead the way in the industry,” said SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales Jonathan Hofeller. “We’re excited to work with Brightline and provide Starlink to their entire fleet, which will enable all of Brightline’s passengers to access high-speed, low-latency internet that is critical in our modern age – whether you’re finishing up work during your commute, staying connected with friends and family, or simply streaming a movie.”

Brightline recently announced the unveiling of its Orlando Station with ticket sales launching in May. Reaching top speeds of 125 mph, Brightline will open its Orlando Station this summer connecting major city pairs including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami.

Image via Brightline

PROFILE Exclusive: HeliFlite Changing Luxury Regional Travel In South Florida Making Helicopter Travel Seamless As Traffic Rises

PROFILEmiami recently had the exclusive opportunity to fly South Florida’s premier helicopter charter service, HeliFlite, to travel in ultimate style from Miami’s Reserve Padel at Watson Island to Palm Beach in just 30 minutes while taking in the breathtaking sights of the South Florida coastline. Helicopter travel is quickly becoming a must-have luxury in South Florida and developers have been including rooftop helipads as an amenity at ultra-luxury towers such as One Thousand Museum and the upcoming E11EVEN Residences Beyond and Major Food Group’s The Villa. Whether you’re jetting in on a private plane to Opa Locka, cruising in on your super yacht to Miami’s Watson Island, or coming from afar, HeliFlite provides the next best extension for South Florida helicopter connectivity.

The flight highlighted the unrivaled travel experience provided by HeliFlite giving the freedom and flexibility to get where you need to be, when you need to be, without dealing with the hassles of traffic throughout South Florida. The ground staff and pilots provided a seamless welcome to the well-appointed Sikorsky S-76 C+ with seating for 6 including snacks and beverages. On the crystal clear day in South Florida the pilots were able to fly

HeliFlite also had an opportunity to shine at last year’s FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2022 providing aerial pre-race footage of the track that helped SkySports open their global broadcast. HeliFlite also helped transport the SkySports commentators and analyst, Danica Patrick, to the race from their local accommodations.

HeliFlite has been the elite private helicopter service of choice, serving the Northeast, South Florida and destinations along the eastern seaboard for over 25 years with 55,000 safe flying hours. Heliflite’s use of two engines and two pilots make them the industry leaders in safety protocols and are suitable for up to six guests.

Offering services in South Florida and New York, HeliFlite operates within a 250-mile radius of each base. Flights can be arranged with direct access to Palm Beach, Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, and in New York via Teterboro with access to a number of regional cities and areas like the Hamptons or Hudson Valley.

Want to give HeliFlite a try? Click here to learn more about exclusive PROFILEmiami follower access to HeliFlite’s Introductory Program: guaranteed 5 hours of flying time for use within one year without commitment. Be sure to mention PROFILEmiami when booking your first flight.

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Images via HeliFlite

Brightline Reveals New Renderings Giving First Look Inside Its Future Orlando Station

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, is pulling back the curtain on Central Florida’s latest attraction, Brightline’s Orlando Station. Brightline has released a video and renderings of the future station, located at Orlando International Airport, that will connect millions and regionalize the state. The station spans three-stories, featuring groundbreaking design and a unique synthesis of luxury amenities that meet the demand of today’s modern traveler. Opening this year, Brightline’s Orlando Station will revolutionize train travel in America and continue Brightline’s vision of offering a guest-first travel experience.

The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening area. Brightline is currently the only rail system in America that screens all passengers and bags prior to boarding.

“This world class train station continues our mission of transforming train travel in America,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “We have carefully thought through each detail of this station to ensure that it exceeds the expectations of the modern traveler.”

The station takes the luxury amenities Brightline is known for to new heights featuring an upscale retail experience with convenient in-station shopping and its Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and lite bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platform where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart the platform.

Located above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, flip-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the flip-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with the flip-flap sound reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America.

Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevators to the first level platform and board from one of two new track platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and will accommodate a train with four coaches and two locomotives that will transport guests on the Orlando to Miami route in just over three hours.

Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service, will provide complimentary drinks and snacks in a dedicated lounge and train coach. Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a children’s play area located in the SMART lounge.

The 37,350 square foot station is located in the heart of Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Terminal C and connects directly to the airport’s parking deck C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces reserved for Brightline guests. An automated people mover connects the terminal to the rest of the airport facilities including Terminal A and B in under five minutes.

Brightline’s Orlando station is designed by Bigtime Design Studios, an architecture firm based out of Miami, Florida, that also designed the newly opened Brightline stations in Boca Raton and Aventura, alongside the architect of record Sonny Fornoles of Borrelli + Partner. The buildout of the station is led by Orlando-based contractor Gomez Construction Co., a minority owned business whose headquarters are based in Orlando, Florida, and employs more than 100 workers on this project.

Brightline Completes First Major Construction Zone For Orlando Extension

Brightline has completed its first major construction zone (Zone 2) on its 170-mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport (OIA). One of four zones along this extension, Zone 2 is a 3.5-mile-long section on Brightline’s corridor leading into OIA and represents one of the most complex and challenging areas for construction in the entire project.

Brightline’s Zone 2 is an engineered double track that travels under active airport taxiways and over tug roads running through the heart of OIA. Brightline’s construction of this zone includes six bridges, two underpasses and several airport improvements, including a new traffic interchange configuration at Cargo Road, located north of the airport, and the airport’s first roundabout designed to assist with traffic flow. Additionally, the steel used throughout Zone 2 and throughout Brightline’s Orlando corridor extension is 100 percent recycled, American-made steel sourced from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Beginning in 2023, Brightline trains will travel through the airport corridor at 35 miles-per-hour before heading east along SR 528 towards Cocoa where they will reach top speeds of 125 miles-per-hour. Trains traveling along Zone 2 will have access to the airport’s new Intermodal Terminal Facility and the Beachline Expressway/SR 528.

“Our construction through OIA presented one of the most complex construction efforts of this entire project and our successful completion is a testament to partnership, teamwork and out-of-the-box thinking,” said Michael Cegelis, executive vice president, development and construction for Brightline. “The collective efforts of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, The Middlesex Corporation and our team resulted in the first ever high-speed rail corridor in one of the busiest airports in the nation.”

“The completion of Zone 2 is a major milestone for the Brightline construction and engineering team as we continue to work towards the completion of the corridor to Orlando from West Palm Beach,” said Donald Jello, project manager at Brightline.

Brightline completed additional infrastructure on the project to accommodate future transportation options through the airport including embankment, bridge foundations at the tug roads, and a shared underpass at Cargo Rd. The project was constructed in partnership with The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).

The Orlando extension is 70 percent complete and employs more than 1,300 daily construction workers and is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2022. The Middlesex Corporation, based in Orlando, served as general contractor, and constructed the corridor over 33 months through the work of over 100 employees who logged more than 419,000 hours.

Subcontractors on the project included Delta Railroad Construction, Inc. of Ashtabula, Ohio, HWR (a joint venture of Herzog and Railworks) of Melbourne, Florida, Sterling Enterprises, L.L.C. of Lake Helen, Florida, Transportation Systems Inc. of Orlando, Florida, G&C Welding Specialists of Sanford, Florida, Keller of Orlando, Florida, and Tierra, Inc. of Winter Garden, Florida. The track was constructed with American made recycled steel from Steel Dynamics North America Inc., in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and concrete ties manufactured by Rocla in its purpose-built plant in Ft. Pierce, FL. With Zone 2 now complete, Wabtec of Jacksonville, Florida will install Positive Train Control (PTC) under contract with Brightline.

In January of 2022, Brightline began daily crew training and qualifying test runs between West Palm Beach and Cocoa as part of its extension to Orlando. Over an eight-year period, Brightline’s corridor between Miami and Orlando will result in $6.4 billion in economic impact while creating more than 10,000 jobs. Brightline currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with its expansion stations in Aventura and Boca Raton opening in fall of 2022.

Brightline Breaks Ground On Boca Raton Station As Eco-Friendly Railway Continues To Connect South Florida

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, has broken ground on its new Boca Raton station with Kaufman Lynn Construction, Inc. as the construction manager for the garage and train station. Once completed, the station will be Brightline’s fifth operational in the state, connecting travelers in Boca Raton to Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and soon Orlando. Located on a 1.8-acre site across from Mizner Park and adjacent to the downtown library, Brightline’s Boca station, designed by Zyscovich Architects, will feature approximately 38,000 square feet of space which will include its signature autonomous MRKT and premium lounge among other station amenities. The station will offer a seamless travel experience through modern technology, including a cashless environment, touchless turnstiles and high-speed WiFi. Brightline's Boca station is expected to be complete in the fall of 2022.

Brightline’s president, Patrick Goddard, was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony today by Congressman Ted Deutch, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Jorge Pesquera of Discover the Palm Beaches, in addition to members of the Boca city council and elected officials. The groundbreaking of Brightline’s Boca station follows the commencement of construction for the station's parking garage, announced in December of 2021.

“As a premier business and leisure destination, Boca Raton is a perfect fit for Brightline and will be an integral part of our network that will further connect the state of Florida,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Brightline stations help enhance the local communities and economies where we operate and provide travelers with quick access to state-wide lifestyle and tourist destinations. We look forward to building a long and productive partnership with the Boca community.”

In 2021, Brightline was awarded a $16.3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant from the FRA to fund a portion of the construction of the Brightline Train Station, parking garage and associated rail infrastructure. In addition to the CRISI grant, the City has provided a commitment of $9.9 million towards funding the parking garage. The balance of the project, approximately $30 million, will be funded by Brightline. Construction of the Boca Raton station is expected to create more than 480 jobs during construction while contributing more than $23 million in wages.

The station is expected to strengthen ties between Boca Raton and South and Central Florida. By connecting to the broader Brightline system, local employers will have access to a bigger employee pool and workers will gain access to an additional 89,000 office jobs within average commute times. This investment will continue to make Boca Raton one of the most desirable and vibrant places to live, work and visit. In addition to benefitting commuters and other local residents, Brightline will serve a broad leisure travel population, and will spur increased tourism to Boca Raton.

“Brightline will be a game-changer for Boca Raton, and especially our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “We look forward to welcoming the many riders who will work at our thriving businesses and visit our cultural, dining, and shopping attractions, and for our residents to connect to a major transportation network from Miami to Orlando. Thanks to our strong partnership with Brightline and support of our Congressional delegation for an FRA grant, we can’t wait to say all aboard in Boca Raton!”

Also under construction is the 455-space parking garage that will service Brightline’s Boca station and visitors to the downtown library, who will have dedicated, covered, and complimentary spaces on the first floor. In October 2021, Brightline completed construction of the new Community Garden for the Junior League of Boca Raton, as well as a temporary parking lot for the downtown library. Brightline managed and funded the construction of both projects as part of the agreement to build the new station.

“Kaufman Lynn Construction is excited to be building this new station and garage with Brightline, the City of Boca Raton and the Federal Railroad Administration,” said Michael Kaufman, CEO of Kaufman Lynn Construction. “The entire team is excited to help connect South Florida and Central Florida with this Brightline rail stop.”

Brightline currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with its expansion station in Aventura opening in 2022. Brightline’s current construction project to Orlando is more than 70 percent complete with over 1,300 daily workers on the job tallying more than four million hours of work. In January of 2022, Brightline began daily crew training and qualifying test runs between West Palm Beach and Cocoa. Over an eight-year period, Brightline’s corridor between Miami and Orlando will result in $6.4 billion in economic impact while creating more than 10,000 jobs. Construction of the highly anticipated expansion to Orlando is on track to be complete by the end of 2022, ​​with service to begin in early 2023.

Tech-Enabled Business Travel Firm 'Mint House' Expands To Downtown Miami

At a time when major operators business travel short-term lease extended stay operators such as Lyric and Stay Alfred are shuttering, Mint House, a tech-enabled hotel company for high-end business travelers, is continuing to rapidly expand despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Mint House recently expanded their Miami operation with the addition of a second location in Downtown Miami, Mint House at Muze at Met.  

Mint House at Muze at Met opened on January 13 after the firm acquired 22 units from previous operator Lyric. The acquisition was driven by a high demand of northeasterners looking to escape the cold and corporate travelers across the U.S. having the ability to work remotely. The brand’s first Miami location, Mint House at Caoba posted solid numbers for December 2020 with 91% occupancy and so far has seen 85% occupancy during January 2021. 

Those staying at Mint House at Muze at Met are greeted with the brand’s signature self-sufficient living elements like contactless check in/check out, keyless entry, customized groceries waiting in the refrigerator upon arrival, laundry in unit, and functional at-home working spaces.

Muze at Met was developed by ZOM Living in 2019 and is located at 340 SE 3rd St. Miami.

Construction On Brightline Rail Connecting Miami To Orlando Passes Halfway Point

Construction on Brightline’s new rail line connecting Miami to Orlando has passed the halfway point. Construction broke ground in April 2019 and is both on schedule and within budget to date. Brightline anticipates that they will be launching service from Miami to Orlando in Q4 2022. Construction on the line between West Palm Beach and Cocoa is 38% complete and construction between Cocoa and Orlando International Airport is over 57% complete.

Brightline expects to resume service between Miami and West Palm Beach in Q3 2021 along with the addition of an Aventura station. In Q1 2022 Brightline will add additional stations in PortMiami and Boca Raton with the extension to Orlando expected to commence service Q4 2022. Brightline plans to open the Station at Disney Springs in Q4 2023.

Brightline And Disney Announce Plans To Build A Train Station In Walt Disney World Connecting To Orlando International Airport And Miami

Brightline has recently announced a plan to build a new train station at Walt Disney World in Orlando, connecting directly to Orlando International Airport and Miami. Brightline, who currently operates trains between Miami and West Palm Beach, has been seeking expansion to Orlando since launching in 2018. The next stop will be Orlando International Airport, expected to be completed by 2022, with future plans to extend to Walt Disney World. The new Disney station will open in the Disney Springs complex, a popular spot for dining and entertainment such as live music and shows. 

Millions of people visit Disney World every year. Brightline’s new train will make easy access for Disney tourists flying into Orlando International Airport, and also will allow visitors from Miami to travel directly to Disney World without a car for the first time. The train service from Miami to Orlando International Airport is on schedule to begin in 2022, but there is no set timeline for the Disney World station yet. Brightline is also currently working on engineering a future expansion to Tampa. The Brightline was developed by Florida East Coast Industries.

AirBNB Announces Global Party Ban And Occupancy Cap

One of the leading homesharing platforms, AirBNB, has announced a global ban on all parties and events at Airbnb listings, including a cap on occupancy at 16. This party ban applies to all future bookings on Airbnb and it will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice.

Unauthorized parties have always been prohibited at Airbnb listings. 73% percent of AirBNB listings globally already ban parties in their House Rules, and the vast majority of our guests behave in manners that show respect for House Rules and for neighbors. AirBNB has historically allowed hosts to use their best judgment and authorize small parties, such as baby showers or birthday parties, if they’re appropriate for their home and their neighborhood. 

Last year, AirBNB began imposing much stricter limits, starting with a global ban on “party houses,” meaning, listings that create persistent neighborhood nuisance. AirBNB also launched a 24/7 neighborhood support hotline in the U.S. and Canada, with plans for global expansion, to communicate directly with neighbors and help effectively enforce the party house ban.

Since the pandemic was declared, and social distancing became an important element in promoting public health and responsible travel, AirBNB updated their policies including the removal both the “event-friendly” search filter from their website as well as “parties and events allowed” House Rules from any event-friendly listings. AirBNB also introduced a new policy requiring all users to adhere to local COVID-19 public health mandates.

However, in many large jurisdictions, public health mandates on gatherings have changed in response to the changing rates of COVID cases. Some have chosen to take bar and club behavior to homes, sometimes rented through AirBNB’s platform. AirBNB has tagged the conduct is incredibly irresponsible and has chosen that they do not want that type of business, and anyone engaged in or allowing that behavior, on their platform. Based on these developments, AirBNB feels that instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health.

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.