Brightline is finally a go to Orlando as launch is scheduled for Sept. 22

Brightline, the nation’s only privately funded higher speed rail line, said Wednesday it’s finally giving a solid green light for the launch of its new 170-mile extension to Orlando starting Sept. 22.

“Opening Orlando fulfills our ultimate business model. We have seen incredible enthusiasm from the business and tourism industries eager to travel between Central and South Florida,” Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline, said in a statement. “As we start service to Orlando for peak holiday seasons, I encourage everyone to check calendars, make plans, visit our website or app and reserve a seat now.”

Legions of passengers have been booking already, with one train scheduled out of Fort Lauderdale sold out, according to gobrightline.com, the railroad’s booking website.

Early Wednesday, the schedule showed five roundtrips for Sept. 22, with a sixth added for a number of days beyond.  Ultimately, there will be “16 roundtrips in a matter of weeks,” spokesman said.

The expanded line, which will stretch for 235 miles between downtown Miami and Orlando, will include stops at Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, two of the railroad’s original stations. Customers can also board at the newer stations in Aventura and Boca Raton.

The train’s speeds will reach 125 mph along a newly constructed rail bed between Cocoa and the new station at Orlando International Airport.

For a short introductory period, Brightline is offering discounted fares. Its one-way SMART fares start at $79 for adults and $39 for children. Groups of four or more “will automatically save an additional 25 percent” on those fares, the statement said.

SMART service consists of a comfortable business-class with hand-stitched leather seats, complimentary Starlink WiFi, multiple power and USB outlets and food and beverages available for purchase.

“One-way PREMIUM fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey,” the statement said.

PREMIUM passengers also have access to “first and last-mile service to get to and from the station with complimentary Uber rides anywhere within a five-mile radius in South Florida.” The company’s Brightline+ services are outlined at gobrightline.com/mobility.

Slow start

The announced launch is effectively a third try at getting started as the railroad underwent a certification process overseen by the Federal Railway Administration, among other prequisites.

Management refunded tickets to customers expecting to ride starting Sept. 1. Another delay prompted refunds for travel between Sept. 7-21.

But now, the company is focusing on what it intended to do in the first place, point leisure travelers in the direction of a number of Central and South Florida attractions that are all good reasons for travelers to take the train instead of planes or cars:

— In Greater Orlando: An Inter Miami soccer match with in-state rival Orlando City at Exploria Stadium on Sept. 24.  “Fans of Karol G can take in her show as she takes the stage at Camping World Stadium the same evening.”

“Throughout the fall, travelers can connect from South Florida to Orlando for seasonal events including Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World along with Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando,” the company statement said. “Foodies can take in the Epcot International Wine & Food Festival, SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival and visit the many Michelin-Star restaurants in Orlando including Knife & Spoon inside the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, an Omakase experience at Kadence located in the Audubon Garden District, and Bacán featuring contemporary Central and South American fare inside the spectacular Lake Nona Wave Hotel.”

— In South Florida, the line is touting Inter Miami, the Miami Heat, “art murals in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, “brunch at The Square in West Palm Beach,” and the South Beach Seafood Festival in Miami Beach.

Miami Dolphins fans can use the Aventura station to get to Hard Rock Stadium.

“Brightline guests can conveniently connect to South Florida ports and the region’s many beaches,” the company added.