Brightline says Sept. 22 is new start date for Miami-Orlando service – Orlando Sentinel

Brightline says its third try at starting passenger rail service between Miami and Orlando will be for real, with the date now set for Sept. 22.

“As we start service to Orlando for peak holiday seasons, I encourage everyone to check calendars, make plans, visit our website or app and reserve a seat now,” said Brightline’s president Patrick Goddard in a statement distributed Tuesday evening.

Having invested $5 billion in stations and track between Orlando and Miami, the privately owned company had to put off two previous start dates this month, saying training and certification were not complete.

For its Sept. 22 start, Brightline is setting its lowest fare, called Smart, at $79 for adults and $39 for kids one way. The fare will include business-class comfort, free Starlink WiFi, multiple power and USB outlets and food and beverages available for purchase.

The one-way, first-class Premium fares start at $149, which includes access to a premium lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage and complimentary snacks and beverages.

With trip times for the 235 miles between Miami and Orlando set at about three hours, Brightline is betting that millions of travelers will opt to skip the drive or a flight between South and Central Florida.

Brightline service will include stops at the original stations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and newer stations in Aventura and Boca Raton. Train speeds will reach a peak of 125 mph on all-new track between Cocoa and Brightline’s new station at Orlando International Airport.

For professional football fans, according to Brightline, the Miami Dolphins home opener is Sept. 24 against the Denver Broncos, with shuttles available from the Brightline Aventura Station to Hard Rock Stadium.

Rides are available for booking at gobrightline.com

“Opening Orlando fulfills our ultimate business model,” Goddard said. “We have seen incredible enthusiasm from the business and tourism industries eager to travel between Central and South Florida.”