Editor’s Note: The story below is representative of reporting on a new passenger rail project when neither the report nor the reporter’s editors fully understand the situation. Brightline/Virgin Trains USA is a startup which has not yet been fully built out. The Brightline business plan is based on operating 16 roundtrips a day between Miami and Orlando, and is designed to move Florida residents and visitors – specifically international visitors – to and from South Florida and Orlando.
As of now, Brightline is operating on a reduced schedule and only operating between Miami and West Palm Beach, with an intermediate stop in Fort Lauderdale. Brightline is carrying commuters and locals making day trips.
This is not Brightline’s long term vision or business plan. Therefore, any attempt by the news media to portray the project as “troubled” or not meeting expectations is not only wrong, but counter-productive. Only when Brightline/Virgin Trains USA operate the full route between Miami and Orlando will anyone be able to fully judge the merits or problems with the company’s business plan and financial success or failure. – Corridorrail.com Editor
By Rob Wile, Miami Herald; April 1, 2019
If you build it, will people ride it?
It is the question now dictating the future of Brightline, the express train that hopes to take passengers from Miami to Orlando and beyond.
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