Brightline Begins Testing

The first trainset for Florida’s new Brightline service began testing on Thursday. The two locomotives and four passenger coaches arrived in West Palm Beach last month and were put on public display January 11.

Additional trainsets will be delivered shortly with the goal of starting revenue service this summer. Brightline will set a new standard for high-frequency service on a heavy-haul railroad. The train will link Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Phase 2 will extend service to Orlando.

The service was clearly designed with the customer in mind. Level boarding and wide aisles make the train easily accessible for people with strollers, wheelchairs and luggage. Wi-Fi service should be continuous and free, while each row is equipped with power outlets. The trains will travel at top speeds of 125 mph and are expected to carry 3.3 million passengers a year.

Best,

Dylan Hayward
Program Manager

Last Week at MHSRA: 

This past Saturday we attended a meeting with other dedicated rail advocates in Lansing, MI. This was a great opportunity to learn more about passenger rail projects in Michigan and it gave executive director Rick Harnish a chance to check out the new East Lansing station.

Articles We Enjoyed:

Coming This Summer to Florida: America’s New Private Passenger Rail System
“With stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Brightline will be an early test of the popularity of new intercity rail projects underway in California (public) and planned for Texas (private).”

Texas Council Taps LAN to Study Proposed High-Speed Rail Station
“The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has selected a team led by Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) to conduct a planning study for a high-speed rail station in downtown Dallas.”

Check Out World’s 10 Fastest High-Speed Trains in Commercial Service
“The world’s fastest train isn’t the newest, the shiniest, or even the one with the most expensive tickets.”

Feds Pick Preferred Route for Possible Tucson-Phoenix Passenger Railway
“A study of a possible passenger rail service between Tucson and Phoenix has taken another step forward, with a federal agency officially selecting a preferred route.”

Amtrak Builds Momentum Behind Critical Upgrades
“At a time of considerable political and economic uncertainty for the United States, Moorman’s understanding of how the railway operates, how it makes money, and how to influence policymakers in Washington DC should help to give Amtrak stability and build a future based on growth.”

Upcoming Events:

2017 MHSRA Annual Meeting

When: Saturday April 1, 2017 – 9:00am to 3:00pm (Check in will start at 8:30am)

Where: Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654

Cost: Single Ticket: $60.00
    Student Ticket: $20.00
    *Cost includes lunch

Register Here

Dylan Hayward
Program Manager
Midwest High Speed Rail Association
4765 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
773-334-6758