Brightline Florida is set to improve onboard Wi-Fi across its train fleet through a new partnership with McLaren Applied, a technology company with roots in Formula One.
The collaboration brings motorsport-grade communications to the rail sector, aimed at delivering more reliable internet access for passengers.
Brightline is the first rail operator globally to adopt this hybrid system at scale. The technology combines McLaren Applied’s Fleet Connect software with a 5G Edge Active Antenna and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connections. This setup allows trains to maintain consistent high-speed internet, even in rural areas or during fast movement.
Kevin McAuliffe, Chief Technology and Digital Innovation Officer at Brightline, said:Guests want fast and reliable Wi-Fi and this unique partnership will deliver that. Elevating the guest experience is at the center of everything we do and leveraging technology partnerships like McLaren Applied puts our guests in the driver’s seat when it comes to internet connectivity.
This technology was originally designed to ensure constant data transmission from Formula One cars travelling at over 200 mph. It has since been adapted to meet the challenges of rail travel, where trains often experience connection dropouts due to changing signal zones and physical obstructions.
The Fleet Connect software works by connecting to multiple networks—such as 5G and satellite—at the same time. It chooses the best available signal to avoid interruptions. In Brightline’s case, the system will use Starlink satellites alongside existing 5G networks.
Hardware improvements also form part of the project. The 5G Edge Active Antenna removes the need for traditional onboard routers and complex cabling by integrating electronics directly into the antenna unit. This design makes the system lighter, more durable, and easier to maintain.
Pablo Garcia, Director of Connected Intelligence at McLaren Applied, said:Rail networks had long struggled with onboard connectivity issues, especially on high-speed trains. Traditional systems can’t efficiently adapt to signal changes or network switching, leading to dropouts. McLaren Applied recognised the parallels between the challenges faced in motorsport and rail, applying expertise to bring a solution that provides the best link aggregation technology tailored to the unique demands of Brightline.
Brightline expects the new system to be fully operational across all trains by July 2025.
