by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:40 AM ET, Thu June 22, 2023
Brightline celebrated the completion of construction to
Orlando, paving the way for the launch of service between Central and South
Florida this summer.
To mark the completion of construction, mayors representing
Brightline station cities along with the Brightline Orlando construction route
gathered to celebrate with a roundtable conversation on transportation and
economic impact in Florida.
Brightline has been working on the Orlando expansion since
2019, just a year after service launched between the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and
West Palm Beach stations. Additional stations were opened in downtown Boca
Raton and Aventura in 2022.
Phase I and II of Brightline construction generated over
10,000 jobs and more than $6.4 billion in economic impact on Florida.
Construction teams worked more than seven million hours battling through the
COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain shortages to finish the 170-mile corridor
extension.
Mayors, Brightline’s construction management team members
and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority commemorated the end of construction
by creating an iconic photo that symbolizes the connection between Miami and
Orlando by rail.
“Completing this project is the culmination of more than a
decade of dedication, determination and hard work,” Brightline CEO Mike
Reininger said. “Our team has shown its relentless ability to navigate and
overcome challenges to bring us where we are today. We have built something
remarkable, and I am excited to see millions of people ride brighter.”
Brightline is continuing critical high-speed train testing
throughout the corridor between West Palm Beach and Orlando and will test up to
110 miles per hour through Brevard County in July. Once testing is complete,
Brightline will conduct crew certification and revenue service demonstration.
Travelers can purchase tickets for service between Orlando
and South Florida from September through early 2024 at gobrightline.com or by
downloading the app. Brightline will offer one-way SMART fares starting at $79
for adults and $39 for kids and one-way PREMIUM fares begin at $149.
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