By David Wilkening, GlobeSt.com; February 05, 2019
MIAMI — It’s sometimes called the Branson Effect — a reference to South Florida’s intercity passenger rail system: Brightline. And its influence is being felt not only in extensive commercial development that includes the state’s tallest building but also as a model for other Florida areas looking at similar systems.
The reference to Richard Branson was the news last year that his Virgin Group formed a partnership with Brightline, which only a few years ago overcame some resident resistance and other roadblocks to become the first new major private intercity passenger railroad in more than a century.