Latest news with #Brightline
Bloomberg
7 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Trump Puts Weight Behind Private High Speed Rail
While President Donald Trump has threatened to block federal funding from California's troubled high-speed rail project, his administration has singled out the privately led Brightline West project for praise. That differing approach has further bolstered the prospects for Brightline, which is expected to break ground soon on its line from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, while the proposed state-run train has faced mounting delays and cost overruns. Brightline West, owned by billionaire Wes Edens' Fortress Investment Group, has also faced its own set of delays, and the company's Florida line has failed to turn a profit. Still, some critics of government spending see it as a model for constructing large-scale transportation infrastructure without excessive amounts of federal subsidies, Brian Kahn and Eliyahu Kamisher report. Today on CityLab:
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Can you take SunRail or Brightline to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe? Sort of, see how
Floridians can travel to Epic Universe by car and plane, but can they also get there by train? Universal Orlando's newest theme park will open its doors to the public on Thursday, May 22, taking guests into five immersive worlds through themed portals. Florida has two commuter rail systems that go to Orlando: SunRail in Central Florida and Brightline in South Florida. Here's how you can take them to Epic Universe. Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando. Please note: it's not right next to the other Universal Orlando theme parks. It is located about 4 miles away from Universal's "north campus"— which includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. This might mean a 13 to 15-minute drive for visitors. There will be complimentary transportation between Epic Universe and the other parks. Brightline operates between South Florida and Orlando with stops at Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Brightline ticket prices vary based on the distance traveled and the type of ticket purchased. Parkgoers can take Brightline to the Orlando stop at the Orlando International Airport, where Universal Orlando offers the SuperStar Shuttle for traveling round-trip or one-way between the airport and Universal Orlando hotels. The ride from MCO to Universal Orlando is roughly 30 minutes. It costs $39 round-trip per adult, $36 round-trip for children ages 3-9, and free for children 2 and under. As for one-way prices, it costs $23 per adult, $18 per child ages 3-9 and children under 2 ride free. This service can be added to any Universal Parks & Resorts Vacation package with a UOR hotel, or individual UOR hotel reservations. The shuttle must be booked at least 24 hours before guests' scheduled flight time. Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available as an alternative. SunRail is a Central Florida-based commuter train with stops from Volusia County to Osceola County. It began services back in May 2014, currently seeing a daily ridership of over 4,500 people. Like Brightline, SunRail ticket prices vary based on the distance traveled and the type of ticket purchased. While it does not have a stop directly at Universal Orlando, you can get pretty close. The nearest stop to Epic Universe is the Sand Lake Road Station, which is roughly 7 miles away from the new theme park. From the station, you can use rideshare services to travel to the theme park. There is hope that SunRail will be extended to the Orlando International Airport and other areas. The Florida Department of Transportation previously proposed a study looking into an expansion of SunRail between Orlando International Airport and Disney Springs, referred to as the 'Sunshine Corridor.' This would also allow parkgoers to ride to MCO and take the shuttle to the theme park. Epic Universe officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 22, 2025, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Some might be able to see it early. Universal is currently offering a park preview to select guests through May 19. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Epic Universe opens on May 22. Can Floridians take Brightline to park?
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Brightline brings back commuter pass with 125% price hike
Brightline has reintroduced its commuter pass for South Florida riders after nearly a year-long pause. The popular pass, once priced at $399 for 40 rides, now costs $899 -- a 125% increase that has some riders questioning whether the savings are worth it. "The thing for me with Brightline is, it is expensive. Like, it's nice, but it's expensive to use on a regular basis," said Rochelle Irons from Palm Beach Gardens. The new Brightline Commuter Pass still offers 40 rides per month, but the per-ride cost has more than doubled from about $10 to $22.50. Brightline ended the original commuter program in June 2024, citing increased ridership and operational priorities. In a May 6 press release, Brightline stated, "The new Brightline Passes offer a reliable, modern ride with a fixed-rate fare to get frequent travelers where they need to go." Savings remain compared to standard fares The pass still offers savings compared to standard ticket pricing. A check of Brightline's website shows that a round-trip fare from Miami to Orlando on a weekday can range from $48 to $79 per ride. Brightline serves over two million passengers daily, and motivations for riding vary. For some, it's about fun and convenience. "For fun, for concerts, or to spend the day in Miami," said Irons. Others see Brightline as a cheaper and more comfortable alternative. "The train was a good way to come because it was inexpensive and it was much better than trying to fly down here," said Beckey Deland from Orlando. In January 2025, Brightline received over $33 million in federal funding to add more trains to its fleet, enhancing capacity and frequency.
The Age
13-05-2025
- The Age
America's privately owned, high-speed train service beats flying
The train: Brightline The journey: Orlando to Miami. The train departed on time from Orlando at 12.50pm, arriving in Miami at 4.15pm Frequency: Hourly departures daily Train: Brightline, Florida's modern, high-speed train service Class: Smart Saver, coach 5, seat 14D Travel time: Scheduled and actual was three hours and 25 minutes Checking in Booking is easy through the Brightline website (I'm still avoiding downloading apps unless they're ones I'll use regularly), where I select my seat and receive a digital ticket. Brightline Orlando Station is airy, clean and spacious, with plenty of seating and a sleek, modern design. The check-in process here was efficient, with minimal waiting and clear signage all around. Baggage For an additional fee starting at $US30 ($47) per item, you can add checked baggage to your Smart Saver fare. If you're bringing more than one bag, it's best to pre-add them to your booking through the Brightline app or website. The seat Brightline has two service classes: Smart (standard seating with essential amenities) and Premium (extra perks like lounge access, free snacks, and priority boarding). My Smart Saver seat is comfortable, with adequate legroom and a good reclining option. That said, because someone sat next to me partway through the journey, I move to seat 15D in the row of two behind, which is free. This seat does not recline. None of the seats in Smart Saver have fold-out tray tables, but there are cupholders, and a small fixed table between paired seats for holding drinks or devices.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
America's privately owned, high-speed train service beats flying
The train: Brightline The journey: Orlando to Miami. The train departed on time from Orlando at 12.50pm, arriving in Miami at 4.15pm Frequency: Hourly departures daily Train: Brightline, Florida's modern, high-speed train service Class: Smart Saver, coach 5, seat 14D Travel time: Scheduled and actual was three hours and 25 minutes Checking in Booking is easy through the Brightline website (I'm still avoiding downloading apps unless they're ones I'll use regularly), where I select my seat and receive a digital ticket. Brightline Orlando Station is airy, clean and spacious, with plenty of seating and a sleek, modern design. The check-in process here was efficient, with minimal waiting and clear signage all around. Baggage For an additional fee starting at $US30 ($47) per item, you can add checked baggage to your Smart Saver fare. If you're bringing more than one bag, it's best to pre-add them to your booking through the Brightline app or website. The seat Brightline has two service classes: Smart (standard seating with essential amenities) and Premium (extra perks like lounge access, free snacks, and priority boarding). My Smart Saver seat is comfortable, with adequate legroom and a good reclining option. That said, because someone sat next to me partway through the journey, I move to seat 15D in the row of two behind, which is free. This seat does not recline. None of the seats in Smart Saver have fold-out tray tables, but there are cupholders, and a small fixed table between paired seats for holding drinks or devices.
