MIAMI, Fla., -  Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, high-speed rail in America, is celebrating World Car-Free Day by joining forces with one of the nation’s most recognizable non-profits, Habitat for Humanity. For the first time, Brightline and Habitat for Humanity affiliates in South Florida are inviting drivers to donate their vehicles to become eligible for a year of free rail travel on Brightline. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Greater Miami, Palm Beach County, and South Palm Beach County, Brightline will offer a free 2022 annual pass to any individual who donates a vehicle to Habitat’s Cars for Homes program between September 22 and December 31, 2021. Those who want to participate in the Brightline-Habitat World Car Free Day free travel pass promotion can learn more here.

 

Every year on September 22nd, cities across the globe celebrate World Car-Free Day, encouraging motorists to give up their cars for a day. The event highlights the numerous benefits of going car-free to citizens—including reduced air pollution and the health benefits of walking and cycling in a safer environment. Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program takes this even further. All year long, Habitat accepts donations of vehicles from across the U.S. and dedicates the proceeds from their sale to help Habitat homeowners build strength, stability and self-reliance for their families.

 

“At its core, Brightline is about building a sustainable community,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “We want to lead the change in modern rail travel while advocating for strong and self-reliant communities. Our partnership with the -affiliates of Habitat for Humanity in South Florida to promote car donations symbolizes this endeavour and we are excited to be working together to achieve the greater purpose of helping those in need. We can’t wait to welcome riders back this November, including some who will be riding for free with this offer.”

 

Through Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program, individuals can donate a car, truck or other motor vehicle and proceeds from its sale will be distributed to one of the four participating local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, benefitting the donor’s community. About half of the cars donated are sold to licensed dealers at wholesale auctions and are reused for transportation. The other half are typically transported to auto salvage yards where all reusable car parts, batteries, tires and fluids are removed. Vehicles that can be recycled are crushed, shredded and recycled into steel. Recycling cars keeps a significant amount of steel out of landfills – enough to build nearly 45,000 steel-framed homes every year. The energy saved each year is enough to power approximately 18 million homes.

 

“Cars for Homes provides a great opportunity to turn unwanted vehicles into affordable housing for our community,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and executive director of Habitat Broward. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Brightline, which is investing in our community in both a socially and environmentally responsible way.”

 

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Brightline through this wonderful program,” said Mario Artecona, chief executive officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami. “A thriving community relies on affordable homeownership and strong transportation options. This relationship highlights both. We are most grateful to Brightline for focusing on Habitat’s mission of providing affordable home-ownership opportunities to South Florida’s working families.”

 

On August 10, Brightline announced plans to resume service in the first half of November between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Brightline also announced multiple service enhancements and investments, including the introduction of its new mobility as a service platform that will address guests’ first and last-mile connections.

 

About Brightline

 

Brightline is the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, high-speed rail service in America. The company currently operates between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in Florida and is scheduled to complete construction to the Orlando International Airport by the end of 2022. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel, offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. Brightline plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

About Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes

 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity has grown from a grassroots effort that began on a community farm in southern Georgia in 1976 to a global nonprofit housing organization in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries. Donating a car, truck or other vehicle to Habitat’s Cars for Homes program generates funding to help future homeowners build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter in the United States and around the world. To learn more about how to donate a car to a Habitat affiliate in South Florida this fall, visit Cars for Homes or call (877) 277-4344.