On Track for Growth: Brightline Expands Fleet Amid Rising Miami-Orlando Demand
Brightline, the high-speed rail company connecting Miami and Orlando, is gearing up to meet the increasing demand for its services. According to their latest monthly ridership report for February, the company has announced plans to order more coaches to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Katie Mitzner, spokesperson for Brightline, revealed to TCPalm that trains can accommodate a maximum of 10 coaches. Presently, trains operating through the Treasure Coast feature four coaches - one first class and three coach class, totaling approximately 240 seats. Additionally, each train is equipped with a locomotive at both ends.
Exciting news awaits passengers as the first batch of new Siemens coaches is expected to arrive by summer, stated Mitzner.
The surge in demand for Brightline's Miami-Orlando service is evident from the February report, which highlighted that one out of every three trains operated at or near full capacity. Despite their capacity to accommodate around 7,680 passengers daily across their five South Florida stations and 16 round trips between Miami and Orlando, February saw a record-breaking 7,887 passengers exceeding capacity.
In February 2024, Brightline recorded a total of 228,138 passengers, marking a 50% increase compared to February 2023, just before the Miami-Orlando route commenced operations on September 22.
Since its inception, the Miami-Orlando route has witnessed a significant influx of passengers:
September: 17,578
October: 79,686
November: 93,184
December: 115,683
January: 122,703 (a record)
February: 113,874
Furthermore, the short-distance ridership on Brightline experienced a 25% decline, dropping to 114,264 in February 2024 from 151,654 in February 2023.
While short-distance ridership has fluctuated since the introduction of the Miami-Orlando route, the overall trend reflects a positive trajectory:
September: 125,475
October: 126,059
November: 112,423
December: 121,386
January: 113,560
February: 114,264
The expansion efforts by Brightline underscore its commitment to providing efficient and comfortable transportation solutions amidst the growing demand for high-speed rail services in Florida. As the company prepares to welcome new coaches, passengers can anticipate enhanced travel experiences and smoother journeys along the bustling Miami-Orlando route.
