posted
Were you able to book a specific seat when you made the reservation? One of the perpetual frustrations of Cascades riders is the inability to book a seat reservation until 30 minutes before departure. Of course, the Cascades trainsets have a variety of layouts depending if the set is owned by Washington or Oregon or if it's the Las Vegas trainset or if it's a Superliner substituting for one of the Talgos. Brightline at least has identical seating layouts in all its trainsets.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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I give them much credit for having "thought of everything".
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Volks, they appear to have "issues" with their ticketing system. I opened my American Express page and, voila, what did I see!
Two tickets for one me - same seat for both trains.
Here's what they have presently posted at their "chat" box:
quote: If you have duplicate Brightline charges, please know that we are aware of the issue, and you will be issued a refund. If you made a booking and have not received an email with your ticket confirmation, it’s possible your reservation did not go through. If you made a booking and are unsure if you have a ticket, please reply back with HELP.
Oh well, what's another $22.50 (Select up Smart back less Veteran discount) on a trip that I will likely run up $3K.
....and maybe, just maybe, I'll see a credit on AMEX
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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The man injured by a Brightline train in Wilton Manors on Thursday had attempted to kill himself when he walked along a stretch of tracks and lay on the metal awaiting an approaching train, police said.
The 48-year-old Broward County resident, whom police have not identified, endured non-fatal injuries when he was struck by the passenger line around 8 p.m. in the 1200 block of Northeast 24th Street. He was taken to Broward Health Medical Center to receive medical treatment and mental health assistance, according to a statement releaed by Wilton Manors Police.
Oh well, at least this one was non-fatal.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
I have now been able to cancel one of the duplicate tickets Brightline "sold" me. So apparently, they have addressed the "bugs, glitches, programming errors" whatever.
Now let's see if American Express gets the word.
So at this time, or so far as they are concerned, it's one ticket for one me Feb 19 North at 355P in Select, return 7P in Smart.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Mr. Norman, it seems to me you’re again becoming a railfan, albeit confined to Brightline!
Hope the general public has the same reaction. I don’ t recall if you mentioned any food being available and it’s quality. Have a good trip.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
No credit as of this morning, but as any "shopaholic" around here (Miss Mary perchance?) knows, both the merchants and the card issuers "have their way of taking their time".
We shall see how this one plays out; on Monday at Penney's, I bought a pair of Black Florsheim shoes. Yesterday, after heaving the box and Republic Services had come by, I looked in my closet, and there was a perfectly serviceable pair of dusty Black Florsheims that I'd forgotten I had (my closet is about the same size as that found in a hotel room - not some lighted walk in "stage"). I took them back to Penney's where some low level "Customer Service Rep" said "sorry Charlie, can't take 'em back - no box". I then asked for a Manager. I got a Supervisor who was in radio contact with the Mgr. I offered to pay a reasonable restock fee, but all I heard was "never been worn" (truth; save the one minute I had "tried 'em on"). He then proceeds to issue me a credit for $97.19. I had looked at their website to see if there was anything in a color I needed (Tan), there was (Eastland brand for all I cared) so I asked this 20 something "Management Trainee" could he help me with a catalog sale? "Of course, that's what I'm here for". He did all the punching and clicking for me and out comes the $102.60 charge, which is already posted to my Capital One Visa.
The $97.19 credit? well let's call it a "work in progress".
Moral of all this unrelated stuff; "charges first, credits whenever."
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
For the record,GBN, Mary is decidedly not a shopaholic. Now, a quit, yarn, or fabric store is another matter. Fortunately. those stores are likely to exist in any town where there is a rail yard, station, or MR hobby store. That way everyone is happy on road trips.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Brightline did credit my account for the duplicate ticket they issued me.
But today has not been it for me and electronics. After having Lunch with Ocala Mike in his namesske, I went to a gas station and I couldn't get my card to work the pumps. They said something wrong with them. Since I tried three times, Capital One locked my Visa. After a phone call with C1, they unlocked it and I got gas - at another station.
Now I get down here and the hotel is full - and the key for the one room they had left does not work. So the desk clerk has to escort me to it - and any time I leave, I'll have to be escorted back. They say the Building Engineer is on his way in to see what he can do - we will see about that! I went to a bar adjacent to the hotel for some Grape Juice and also to try out the Visa - it worked.
So, happy arrivals in Boca.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Glad you made it safely, more or less, to Boca, Gil. At least we had a pretty good lunch at Chefs Di Napoli. Safe journey the rest of the way!
Posts: 1536 | From: Ocala, FL | Registered: Dec 2006
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The key matter was resolved this morning. This afternoon it will be Brightline to West Palm and a steak at Ruth's Chris.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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The Northbound in Select is now in the books. The car was substantially full, and the trip was without incident. I still fear a WHACKAMOLE at Delray Beach - it will be some hotshot lawyer whose family will "take em for everything".
The Select Attendant, Miss Brooke, was exceptionally courteous - kind of like a Flight Attendant you remember for good reasons.
I realize this is an introductory period. The trains are new and the staff enthusiastic. But this enthusiasm does not translate into a sustainable private sector operation. Obviously no one can hold "they're making it" during this "intro" phase. While their fares planned "post intro" are a State secret", I think them to be double the "intros".
Access to Miami will certainly give them business beyond joyrides. With the Miami location right with the Miami judiciary, some Palm Beach attorneys will find it convenient.
I continue to hold the only "prayer" they have for private sector operation is to complete the route to MCO. They could well have a B-School Model showing "them making it", but did such contemplate the funding they would need and the "junk bond" rating translating to higher debt service costs than anyicipated.
Even if they choose not to lay the 40 miles of track and.offer a bus transfer in it's place, will that cut it?
Sure I've enjoyed these joyrides on an.outfit that puts customer service.on a plateau with air travel during the '50's, but I still say "get on down and get your joyrides in".
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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This X-ing I think represents a far greater hazard than do either illustrated in Ft. Lauderdale. Broward Blvd is immediately South of the station, so any BL train has stopped, and when the Miami service begins (I still hold such will be closer to Xmas than Easter), the NB trains, Freight and Passenger, will be approaching the station at a Restricted speed. While nothing beyond their self-centered idiocy, can explain those "not exactly homeless or on welfare" folk from climbing over the freight train at 1st St SE, any train is moving over that X-ing at Restricted speed.
Despite my absolute astonishment that I have held throughout these pages, AAF is moving forward. Actually serving Miami, as well as inevitably charging "market" fares (my guess for Miami-West Palm will be $45 Coach, $65 Business each way), the hemorrhage the operation has to be experiencing will be curtailed to some extent.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
We just returned from our annual visit to central Florida to see a few Atlanta Braves' spring training games and have a few good meals. Our hotel was about 5 min from the ballpark (on the south side of Disney property). I was so thankful that we did not have to set foot on I-4 until we were well clear of the area.
Each time we passed over it, traffic was at a standstill. The baseball announcers were talking about how much the Braves hated visiting teams in the Tampa area. A one hour drive in the early morning was a three hour drive on the return. Other teams have already moved from central Florida and the Braves will follow in 2020 to a new stadium being built near Sarasota (Northport)that only a few months ago had cows grazing in the fields.
A new development, Villages-West, is being constructed that will have 25,000 homes when completed. One of the locals we spoke with said Florida is way too overdeveloped, water supply will be a problem, the Everglades will be history, and there has been little investment in infrastructure. Paradise lost?
If Brightline is successful in building to Orlando airport, it won't be long before they continue on to the west coast. It can't come soon enough.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
I remember in 2009-10 Ray LaHood and the Department of Transportation were thinking that HSR between Orlando and Tampa was a good idea. Unfortunately Rick Scott didn't agree. I wonder if Florida HSR would be operational in 2018 if it had received the green light in 2010. Or would it be stuck in the grip of bureaucratic inertia requiring conceptual studies, scoping and preliminary engineering studies?
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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Brightline stations may soon be renamed by a corporate sponsor.
Patrick Goddard, president and COO of the company, told the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce that negotiations were in progress to sell station and train naming rights, according to Miami Today
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Vincent, the government sponsored projects don't have a great track record but at least it would have been started by now. However, if Brightline is the real deal and can actually do what they say as far as the Orlando extension, they would in the long run do a better job than a project led by the feds
You gotta admit, what they've done so far is pretty impressive. I think they have even made our Mr. Norman a reluctant supporter. One thing is clear, the market in Florida is there. A bad traffic situation will only get worse.
In fact, to leap frog to another forum topic, you could make the case that one real purpose of the LD network it to provide connectivity to the burgeoning state, or private, sponsored corridor services. Who knows, maybe one day Georgia will wake up and doing something about Atlanta metro area and surrounding cities.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Palmland, it is not just traffic. It is also being able to get around without driving. Remember, this is South Florida. Lots of transplanted Yankees, many from the New York and other densely populated areas with lots of public transportation. These are people used to taking public transport. Add to that, many are retirees dealing with or approaching being unable to drive, or in a status where they should not be doing more than the most minimal driving. These people form a growing market for Brightline and any other public transportation.
Posts: 2841 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
Cox's Palm Beach Post published an article regarding the "less than stellar" Brightline ridership observed by a team of their reporters.
Fair Use:
Before dawn on a Tuesday in late March, a four-car Brightline train — capacity 240 — pulled out of the company’s West Palm Beach station and headed south to Fort Lauderdale.
Just eight passengers were on board.
A few weeks later, an early-morning Sunday train carrying six people made the same trip.
While Brightline’s service has been touted as a model for the future of passenger rail in the United States, opponents have questioned whether the company can make money with so many empty seats, with one even derisively referring to them as “ghost trains.”
Not all the trains run near-empty. A Palm Beach Post review of ridership found at least three trains during a six-week period that carried more than 100 passengers, including a Saturday afternoon run in March with 144.
Eight trains carried 20 or fewer passengers.
Brightline doesn’t release ridership counts. To get a glimpse into the rail line’s early progress, a dozen Palm Beach Post reporters rode 44 randomly selected trains over a six-week period and counted how many people were on board.
On average, 50 riders took the trains reviewed by The Post, enough to fill about 20 percent of the seats.
Naturally, this "introductory period" could only have low ridership for which I'm certain that AAF management was ready to accept. But unfortunately at this time, I can only conclude the history of AAF is that it's providing "Disneyland rides on the cheap" - and, party at fault notwithstanding, killing people in the process. The opening of Miami Central, which could happen closer to Easter than Xmas and contrary to my prediction, could well produce enough passengers actually using the service to get from "Ehh to Bee" to justify it's continuation as a public accommodation rather than what could well at present meet the legal standard of Public Nuisance.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Mr. Norman -- Why is Brightline at fault in any way for any of those deaths? By your logic, no one should be allowed to drive motor vehicles -- because so many people get killed by those motor vehicles.
And transit planners and engineers know that not providing frequent service will keep many people from choosing to take transit. Transit providers therefore provide frequent service, even though some trains or buses will have few riders. That is not proof that the entire service is unjustified.
Posts: 211 | From: California | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
NBC’s Today show had a segment on Brightline service. Presumably this was from the press run for the Miami startup. It was mostly positive and the conversation with the Brightline rep talked about the possibility of this type of services in other parts of the country. He also maintained the service would be profitable. Anderson must have been smiling.
The show’s host wondered why we didn’t have more trains like this ‘like Europe’. Maybe the country is ready to support this even if your tax dollars are required.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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quote:Originally posted by palmland: The show’s host wondered why we didn’t have more trains like this ‘like Europe’. Maybe the country is ready to support this even if your tax dollars are required.
Maybe a closer look should be taken at this whole "like Europe" stuff. A closer look at a lot of the Europe stuff helps you understand what our ancestors left. There is so much overlooked either intentionally or unintentionally with all this enthrallment with things European. I will take what we have here, warts and all.
Posts: 2841 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
First. let me say that I am quite pleased that Brightline is getting positive media coverage. that is great! It is way past time for the media to cover railroads and give them a positive slant.
But.... Brightline can be "profitable"? How can that be if all capital costs are included?
And taxes are always required for all public services. No exceptions. And this indirectly includes Brightline, which has already gotten $600 million in tax-free Florida bond money, with more needed, which will probably be granted.
I very much hope that Brightline gets good ridership. It is always wonderful when we have decent choices in modes of transportation.
Highball,. Brightline! Posts: 211 | From: California | Registered: Dec 2004
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Margaret, I've come to hold that the public may never know if AAF is profitable as a rail passenger entity. This real-estate play hinted at by NBC, is of course ripped from Henry Flagler's playbook. That AAF is there and keeps providing the high level of service they have to date, both occupancy and rental rates in the buildings surrounding AAF stations will benefit. This is an argument that it should serve Downtown Orlando rather than the Airport - need there be another San Diego Lindbergh?
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Is it time for our intrepid Brightline rider, Mr. Norman, to return to FL and give us a first hand report on the new Miami service and this innovative partnership with Lyft?Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
I'm all booked for a Cleveland Orchestra concert in Miami next January 26 (fly and Metrorail/mover). Brightline "Voyages 3&4" will wait until then.
Lyft/Uber? what's that (whoops, I am a veteran of one Uber ride February from Crowne/Ravinia to Capitol Grille in Dunwoody GA - wasn't my idea, but it was without incident).
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
"There could be something" to the contention that AAF, even if it in itself is not profitable, is to be a "feed" for enhanced development by FECI:
Call it one of the most expensive secrets in County Hall: The company behind Brightline has submitted a detailed proposal to build Miami-Dade a new civil courthouse next to the existing one on Miami’s Flagler Street. But the company demanded that the mayor not share key details — including the potential cost to the public.
“This confidentiality request severely limits the Administration’s ability to transparently inform the Board of the impact of pursuing the unsolicited proposal,” Mayor Carlos Gimenez wrote in an April 4 memo urging commissioners to reject the plan to replace the 1928 courthouse with one built next door.
“Critical information pertaining to the financial impact of this unsolicited proposal cannot be communicated in this report for the benefit of the Board or Miami-Dade County taxpayers,” Gimenez said.
Now what I believe will be of great interest to the real estate community will be to what extent AAF can influence redevelopment within Overtown. To be polite and politically correct, let's just say Overtown is a "no man's land", which starts immediately West of Miami Central.
AAF made, I think, bold start when they chose to locate their HQ to the West of Miami Central. The potential is certainly there, but the minority residents will be quick to howl "gentrification" (interesting scripted series now being aired on Starz is "Vida", which explores that issue in East LA), but let's note that FECI, Japanese ownership aside, seems to get their way up in Tallahassee.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
I just got "bombarded" by a Brightline marketing survey. I did something "I never do" - responded.
I gave an overall rating of "9" (favorable, of 10) and my written comment was "The Brightline rail travel experience emulates that found overseas".
Anyone who has followed my material around here knows I'm not into the "aewsome", "great" and "super" kind of comments.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
To my pleasant surprise, as part of the Indenture relating to the $600M Private Activity Bonds floated, AAF is required to disclose revenue and ridership for each Quarter. They released such for the First Quarter this past Friday - and look who reported them (presumably straight):
..Brightline carried 74,780 riders and collected $663,700 in ticket revenue in its first 2½ months of operation, according to financial documents released Friday.
The documents — which offered one of the first public glimpses into the private company's financials — revealed that ridership "exceeded expectations," according to Brightline, despite recent controversies over safety and use of public funding.
Ridership grew each month as a result of increased “awareness and demand for the company’s service," Brightline said in its quarterly unaudited financial statement provided to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
Month-by-month ridership and revenue from Jan 19, when initial service began between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, to March 31, the end of the first quarter, was:
January: 17,800 passengers, $146,500
February: 24,100 passengers, $220,000
March: 32,900 passengers, $297,300
However, lest we forget, AAF is still offering dirt cheap "introductory fares". I highly doubt if they have compiled enough historical data to institute demand pricing, although I'm sure they want to "get there".
So their first venture into "market pricing" will be "like the old days". "Here's the fare; take it or leave it" (my guess: OW MIA-WP $50 Coach, $65 Business). Who knows what effect that will have on ridership.
Continuing with a "lest we wonder"; the Florida Turnpike will soon switch to demand pricing systemwide. The "Lexus Lanes" on the 95 are already there (BTW, this Lexus owner doesn't go near them - oh, and don't the various Authorities love EZ-Pass; especially when signed up for automatic refills), so the market can certainly justify higher fares.
Finally though, a rub. The free parking at the AAF station garages is now $6/da, but that certainly is a dirt cheap rate. How they control that you actually have ridden a train, I know not - but I think they should.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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If Brightline is successful in building to Orlando airport, it won't be long before they continue on to the west coast. It can't come soon enough.
************************************** I think an area of the country ripe for a Brightline-like train clone would be Fort Collins-Denver-Colorado Springs-Pueblo.
Watching the baseball game between the Giants and Rockies, the other night, I was impressed by the shots of the Denver light rail train arriving at the ballpark.
Richard
Posts: 1932 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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ORLANDO, Fla. - Drivers using SunPass on state tollways are still not seeing charges on their bills and are continuing to have problems with the website.
The Florida Department of Transportation has now given the contractor a deadline to fix the issues -- or else
I also got a "we're working on it email from FDOT.
Does that sound like they have had a major screwup or does that sound like they have had a major screwup?
I think that translates to we can't tell you what your account balance is. You should have signed up for automatic replenishment.
Oh well, I won't be "down below" with my auto until next February. They'd better have it fixed by then, because I don't believe in automatic replenishment, or for that matter, any kind of automatic debits to any account of mine.
As I noted, it is my understanding that the Florida Turnpike will soon go to demand pricing. The I-95 "Lexus Lanes" through Dade County are already there as are same in the Orlando area. AAF can expect those "Lanes" to be extended through Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Even if they allow 70mph in such (Texas has some with "reasonable and proper" speed limits) v. 55 in the regular lanes, this will only justify AAF charging NEC fares. For comparison, NYP-TRE is $46 Coach $70 Business.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
One of my pet peeves: we often travel to Atlanta and the northeast to see family, Florida for baseball, and Colorado to see relatives. They all have different toll systems. If they insist on this, the systems should talk to each other. I don’t need a windshield full of transponders! It’s enough to make you want to take the train rather than drive.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Mr. Palmland, I only have two. One is an I-Pass that is fully exchangeable with EZ-Pass and the noted Florida Sun Pass, which I've now learned exchanges with the Georgia Peach Pass and the NC Quick Pass (crazy as it sounds, the SC Pal Pass exchanges with the Texas toll roads, but none other).
Yes, wouldn't it be nice if all toll highway agencies could come together and have one X-ponder?
Too many egos would get in the way.
Posts: 10130 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Today's Trains Newswire confirms what we have heard:
"Last month, Orange County commissioners greenlighted an environmental permit allowing Brightline to begin building a 125-mph corridor through 106 acres of thick brush and wetlands immediately adjacent to the Beachline Expressway east of Orlando International Airport."
Construction to start later this year with 2021 completion.
And Brightline intent to build on to Tampa also confimred:
"An unsolicited proposal in March 2018 by Brightline to the Florida Department of Transportation suggested the state create a mechanism for private developers to lease the median of I-4 and portions of either state routes 528 or 417 between the Orlando airport and Tampa. On June 22, Florida Gov. Rick Scott did just that, announcing a request for proposals to lease the property and construct a rail line."
Interesting that they mention highway 528 and 417. Seems like it's more or less direct route using 528 from the airport to I-4, unless they intend to go east on 528 to 417 then circle south getting to I-4 near Celebration.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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