September 22, 2025
BRIGHTLINE ANNOUNCES NETWORK ENHANCEMENTS TO MEET RIDERSHIP DEMAND AND OPTIMIZE GUEST EXPERIENCE
More Capacity at High-Demand Travel Times, Simplified Pricing for South Florida, PREMIUM Changes All Part of Brightline Network Changes Taking Effect Early October
Miami, FL (September 22, 2025) – Brightline, Florida’s higher-speed rail service connecting South Florida to Orlando, announced a series of operational changes designed to optimize the guest experience and respond to evolving ridership patterns. The updates follow two years of full-service operations across the state and are based on extensive guest feedback and data analysis.
“These changes reflect our commitment to delivering a predictable, reliable, and comfortable travel experience,” said Patrick Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, Brightline Florida. “We’ve listened to our guests and studied ridership trends to ensure our network evolves with their needs.”
Expanded Service and Schedule Adjustments
Brightline is testing a new schedule to expand capacity and enhance service during peak demand periods.
South Florida commuters will benefit from more frequent departures during peak hours, with trains running approximately every 30 minutes.
- 5 southbound trains arrive in MiamiCentral between 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- 5 northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between 3:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- 4 northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between 7:45 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
- 4 southbound trains arrive MiamiCentral between 4:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Boca Raton now offers more daily departures, significantly increasing the number of stops in the past 6 months from 19 to the new 28 daily departures. With these new adjustments, 80% of South Florida trains and 90% of Orlando-bound trains include a Boca Raton stop.
For travelers going between South and Central Florida, Brightline will deploy longer 8-coach trains during peak travel periods. Those trains will grow to 10-coach trains before the year’s end – adding nearly 100% more capacity when compared to same time last year – to accommodate the growth in demand from travelers heading to and from Central Florida.
Peak and Off-Peak Pricing Introduced for South Florida Rides
Brightline will now offer guests traveling within South Florida predictable pricing based on peak and off-peak travel windows, primarily aligned with commute times and rush-hour demand. South Florida peak is comprised of departures between 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special event trains — such as the HOME RUNNER for Marlins baseball games, END ZONE EXPRESS for Dolphins football games, and CONCERT CONNECT for special events — will be designated as peak, regardless of time or day of week, and marked with a special icon on the Brightline website and app.
| From | Type | MIA | AVE | FTL | BOC | WPB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIA | Off-Peak | - | $9 | $14 | $19 | $19 |
| Peak | - | $17 | $26 | $37 | $39 | |
| AVE | Off-Peak | $9 | - | $11 | $17 | $17 |
| Peak | $17 | - | $22 | $32 | $34 | |
| FTL | Off-Peak | $14 | $11 | - | $12 | $15 |
| Peak | $26 | $22 | - | $24 | $29 | |
| BOC | Off-Peak | $23 | $17 | $12 | - | $12 |
| Peak | $37 | $32 | $24 | - | $26 | |
| WPB | Off-Peak | $19 | $17 | $15 | $12 | - |
| Peak | $39 | $34 | $29 | $26 | - |
PREMIUM Product Enhancements
Brightline’s PREMIUM service will retain its core benefits, including lounge access, complimentary food and drinks, and flexible cancellation policies. The Uber credit previously included with PREMIUM tickets has been removed due to low utilization. New additions to PREMIUM tickets include:
- Pre-boarding service in Miami and Orlando
- Dedicated Guest Services line and turnstile access
- Priority baggage claim
- Complimentary checked bag (standard size), in addition to two carry-on size bags
- Onboard welcome refreshments
Additional modifications include some updates to the on-board food & drink menu available to guests in SMART, enhanced food options available in stations, and a new website feature that allows guests toggle on or off taxes/fees when viewing ticket prices. Guests will still be able to purchase Brightline Passes, offering fixed rate fares for 10-, 20-, or 40-Ride options for SMART travel.
“As guests have integrated Brightline into their lives, we continue to learn valuable lessons about their preferences,” added Goddard. “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.”
ABOUT BRIGHTLINE
Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The company offers a hospitality-centric experience designed to reinvent train travel at a comparable price to driving or flying. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies, one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company and one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast by Inc. The company focuses on city pairs that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Construction is currently underway to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Ashley Blasewitz, Brightline, ashley.blasewitz@gobrightline.com
Michael Hicks, Brightline, mhicks@bltrain.com