Florida’s Brightline service has announced a set of operational changes that aim to optimise the passenger experience by expanding & adjusting its current service timetable.
The updates have been crafted around guest feedback and data analysis from the past two years of full-service operations.
In order to expand capacity and enhance service during peak periods, trains will run approximately every 30 minutes. The updated timetable will see:
- 5 Southbound trains arrive in MiamiCentral between 7:00 – 9:30
- 5 Northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between 15:45 – 18:45
- 4 Northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between 7:45 – 10:00
- 4 Southbound trains arrive MiamiCentral between 16:15 – 19:00
Services to Boca Raton will also be increased, with daily departures set to leave 28 times per day compared to the previous 19. For those travelling between South and Central Florida; Brightline will provide longer 8-coach trains during peak travel periods, which will then grow to 10-coach trains by 2026.
Patrick Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, Brightline Florida, said:These changes reflect our commitment to delivering a predictable, reliable, and comfortable travel experience.
We’ve listened to our guests and studied ridership trends to ensure our network evolves with their needs.
Brightline has also announced the introduction of a predictable pricing structure based on peak and off-peak travel windows which will primarily align with commute times and rush-hour demand.
Peak time in South Florida comprises of services leaving between 6:30 – 9:30 and 15:30 – 18:30 Monday through Friday, with event trains such as the HOME RUNNER, END ZONE EXPRESS and CONCERT CONNECT services also designated as peak, regardless of timings.
In addition to service expansion, Brightline’s PREMIUM service will also see new additions, including:
- A pre-boarding service in Miami and Orlando
- A dedicated Guest Services line and turnstile access
- Priority baggage claim
- A complimentary checked bag (Standard or Large size), in addition to two carry-on size bags
- Onboard welcome refreshments
Brightline has also stated that it has removed the Uber credit previously included with the PREMIUM tickets due to low utilisation, and additional modifications will include updates to the existing food and drink menu available in SMART, enhances food options at stations and a new website feature allowing guests to toggle taxes and fees on and off when viewing ticket prices.
Goddard added:As guests have integrated Brightline into their lives, we continue to learn valuable lessons about their preferences.
Brightline has shown people will get out of their cars and integrate hospitality-driven train travel into their lives. We believe these changes will enhance that experience even further.
