High speed rail project has eye on Jacksonville

ABOUT ALL ABOARD FLORIDA



All Aboard Florida is a passenger rail project connecting Miami to Fort Lauderdale,  West Palm Beach and Orlando. Developed by Florida East Coast Industries, this rail service will give residents and visitors an alternative to congested highways and airport terminals. It’s also more comfortable on the inside–with high quality food, drink and atmosphere. It’s the only privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail system in the United States.


ORLANDO TO MIAMI


Rendering of Miami Central Station in downtown Miami

Vacationing, doing business, commuting or otherwise traveling between Orlando and Miami is about to get easier. All Aboard Florida proudly introduces Brightline, an express train service that will provide state-of-the-art fast, safe, relaxing travel in one of the most populous and visited regions in the United States.

Brightline will use the existing Florida East Coast Railway corridor between Miami and Cocoa, and is building new track along State Road 528 between Cocoa and Orlando. Once complete, it will serve residents and visitors in this area with a train that is convenient, safe, fast and environmentally friendly.

This train doesn’t just do wonders for transportation. It does a lot for the Florida community. Over the next eight years, it will have a direct, positive impact on Florida’s economy. During construction, it will create nearly 10,000 jobs. It will also require zero funding from taxpayers. And it’s all moving full-speed ahead.


MODERN PASSENGER RAIL


Rendering of Orlando International Airport station.

Driving from Miami to Orlando takes about four hours. All Aboard Florida's Brightline train will allow passengers to cover that same distance in about three hours — while reading, relaxing or simply enjoying a more productive way to travel.
Quality passenger rail holds the power to transform the travel experience. Rather than putting miles on your own car, paying for gas and navigating heavy traffic, passengers can sit back and enjoy the ride. Brightline will deliver you to Orlando, Miami and destinations in between faster than when driving — and you will arrive more relaxed, refreshed and comfortable.


SERVICE BEGINS IN 2017


Rendering of downtown Fort Lauderdale station.

The route will open for service between Miami and West Palm Beach in 2017, with full-service from Miami to Orlando following later that year. In the meantime, All Aboard Florida will be improving the route between Miami and Cocoa, building out the route between Cocoa and Orlando, and constructing modern rail stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Station construction projects at the four destination cities are at various stages. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) designed the three South Florida stations in association with Zyscovich Architects. Construction has begun in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and each station will be completed in advance of the 2017 launch for phase I. Suffolk Construction is serving as general contractor in Miami, and Moss & Associates is the general contractor in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The Orlando station will be part of a larger Intermodal Transportation Center at Orlando International Airport, which will be ready in advance of the launch of full service.


ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION FOR AN AMERICAN HOTSPOT


Image of downtown West Palm Beach station.

Millions live, work and vacation in the stretch of Florida between Orlando and Miami. Each station served by All Aboard Florida's Brightline train will be strategically located near local transportation options, providing passengers convenient access to each city and destinations located throughout the region.
The Orlando Station will be adjacent to Orlando International Airport, allowing visitors from around the world a new and attractive option as they explore Central and South Florida.


DISCOVER THE SPEED OF RAIL


Miami Central Station construction photo courtesy of http://i.imgur.com/S7ITzO7.jpg

All Aboard Florida will transport passengers at between 79 and 125 miles per hour — a speed similar to that of the popular Acela Express that serves the Northeast. Construction includes new track between Orlando and Cocoa, as well as, new signal systems, upgraded crossings, double tracking and other improvements for the existing stretch between Cocoa and Miami.

Passengers will ride on Siemens train-sets that feature ADA compliance standards, Wi-Fi, level boarding and ergonomic seating. The entire development of this passenger train system is focused on travelers and maximizing their convenience. Connect with All Aboard Florida to stay updated on progress and news.

Source: All Aboard Florida - http://www.allaboardflorida.com/