Over the past weekend, I was in Miami to attend a Cleveland Orchestra concert - a bit more "temperate" than a journey to Cleveland at this time of year.
The concert was Saturday night, and I was not returning home until Monday, so Sunday was time for a Brightline "joyride" to West Palm Beach and return.
My first impression was that there is no longer any sign that Sir Richard was anywhere near the property . His most visible presence now is his massive Love Tub "Scarlet Lady". I got to see her dock from my hotel window Sunday AM.
Second impression was that the days of joyride pricing are over, they have demand pricing and this resulted in a $143 round trip fare for 144 miles of transportation in Select Class.
There is no public reference to train numbers (even though of course they have them), which means the only way I can identify the train I rode northward was "the 248PM". I find this annoying, but then I guess the crowd that identifies distance as "oh, it's a half hour", this is how they think (me: just tell me how far it is in miles or klicks; I'll address how long it will take me to get there).
"The 2:48" was the usual four car consist, one Select, three Smart (Coach). Maintenance and cleanliness of the Siemens equipment was simply immaculate. On this train, the load factor appeared to about 50%, and comprised people who largely needed to get from here to there.
On board, Select passengers are offered complimentary snacks and beverages - alcohol if of age and desire such. Smart passengers can purchase all of same.
This train did not stop at either of the new Aventura and Boca station. You couldn't prove it by me, but reportedly they're doing well. Otherwise operation was without incident and "smack on time".
West Palm; the first time I ever went to Florida was during '56. At that time, West Palm was simply "where The Help lived" (also to get on or off the train), not so anymore!! The walk I took Southward from the Brightline station to a Ruth's Chris for Dinner was along Rosemary Street. "The town's a jumpin'" is all I can think. Some portion of the street is closed for street vendors.
My return train was "the 5:48". Again, everything immaculate; the comp food was expanded to include a Charcuterie Board, which I declined. The on-board service was "think in flight". Again, operation was smack on time and without incident. No "suicide by Brightline"; I actually heard someone say that.
All told, I think Brightline is here to stay. Whether such remains in the private sector is an open question. Really, Florida is quite pro-passenger rail; just so long as it isn't Amtrak. But at both stations, here was part of the background music I noticed being played:
Another joyride today to Miami; this in Smart (Coach).
Southward "on the 1007A", return "on the 245P" (I sure wish they'd share with the public the actual train number). But then I suppose, even if not me, the public thinks in terms of "I'm taking the 1007".
"The 1007" was a good 65% full. These two new stops are definitely pulling their weight. "The 245" was doing even better 75% full.
The Disneyland Joyride era is over, and they no longer give it away. My fare and $7 parking was $66, but to S. Florida "what's money"? Now that they are providing everyday transportation, it is pleasing to note the strong public acceptance Brightline appears to enjoy.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
From Hilton Suites Boca Raton--
Booked another Brightline junket to West Palm for today. Northward on "the 1038" return on "the 243".
Sure would be nice if they would share train numbers. I think they presume that 95% of their passengers have been on an airplane and that 60% have been overseas. Train numbers are reported over there as are flight numbers worldwide.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
From Hilton Suites Boca Raton (heading home tomorrow)--
For the return to Boca on "the 243", I upgraded to Premium (formerly Select). I had an hour to kill (great Veal Scallopini lunch @ Bellagio) and wanted a more comfortable lounge with comp drinks (settled for Pepsi and M&M's on board - had to drive the five miles back to the hotel).
Both trains smack on time; another "super" Brightline experience.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Is this different from the Tri-Line? Does it run on same tracks to same stations?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Ms. Sojourner, Tri-Rail operates Miami Airport-West Palm over the former SAL. The line is now owned by a transit agency, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Amtrak and a very limited number of CSX trains (I'm not sure what they have for traffic or even if they make rates out of Miami) have trackage rights.
Brightline is presently in the private sector and operates over the Florida East Coast Railway from Downtown Miami (5th St & 1st Ave, or roundly the location of the FEC station that was razed during '66) to their own West Palm station. Before year's end, it is their intent to operate Miami-Orlando Airport accessing the latter over a newly built right of way.
As I noted, such is a premium priced service, while for commuter train Tri-Rail, their fares are dirt cheap.
"You get what you pay for".
I think Brightline's premium level product is based upon the assumption that 95% of their passenger base has been on an airline flight and 60% have traveled overseas. For someone who has never been on a flight, their boarding process, including a security check, could be unfamiliar. For those who have been overseas, the whole experience resembles what a rail passenger finds "over there".
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. His most visible presence now is his massive Love Tub "Scarlet Lady". I got to see her dock from my hotel window Sunday AM.