All Aboard Florida, developer of the only privately-owned and operated passenger rail service in the United States, unveiled a new express train travel service that would connect major cities between South and Central Florida.
At an event held on the construction site for Miami Central, the new downtown transportation hub, All Aboard introduced Brightline and previewed the innovative trains set to become the centerpiece of the new service. "Which is our new transportation service that's gonna connect the four major cities in Florida, with a new way to move about," said Michael Reininger, president of All Aboard Florida.
The $3 billion project will soon give passengers the ability to jump on a train in Downtown Miami and travel to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando. "It's an alternative to more and more cars on ever more congested roadways," said Reininger.
The designs of the trains were specifically made with South Florida in mind.
The future hub and mixed-use urban development is located in the heart of Miami, at Northwest First Avenue between Northwest Third and Eighth Streets. Previously, the land was solely used for parking. "It's really based on Florida," said David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group. "It's based on the kind of optimism of Florida."
A color scheme of yellow, blue, green, red, purple and orange was incorporated in the design of the trains.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez was also in attendance at the event. He held a pass that hinted at what users will use to board the trains. "That's supposedly the first inaugural pass. I don't know if it will actually allow me on," he said jokingly. "It's nice. It's commemorative."
Gimenez said All Aboard Florida will help the local public transportation services. "It's always about giving different options, more options to our residents, so that's why it's really important," he said.
"It's quicker. It's just a smarter way to travel, but it's more convenient. It's more reliable. It's more enjoyable, and it's more productive," said Reininger.
The Brightline trains are slated to begin service in 2017.