Brightline Orlando extension

[DavidSh]

Orlando is now on the drop down lists of stations you can book. However, as of 6:20 am, there are no trips available to book.

At 6:43, it looks like I can book an Orlando-Miami trip for October 12, with hourly service.

 

[Anderson]

Looks like it's 16/day to start with, albeit with some variability in frequency throughout the day. I'd like to note that I think running the first train from MIA at 0650 seems questionable to me.

That said...it'll let me day-trip to visit Mom and Dad (and leave Boca after dinner) or visit them and side-trip to Disney for a day (and leave around the time several parks close in winter). So...not bad.

[BTW...I don't see any expresses timetabled, just some trains skipping Boca.]

Edit: Another curiosity - I'm seeing an 0400 [!] from WPB-MIA on Saturdays but not weekdays. That gives an 0545 departure from MIA to MCO (arriving at 0915, displacing the 0650 departure).

 

[pennyk]

I received an email overnight that trains to and from Orlando could be booked. It appears that the earliest date (at this time) to book is September 1.

 

[joelkfla]

Edit: Another curiosity - I'm seeing an 0400 [!] from WPB-MIA on Saturdays but not weekdays. That gives an 0545 departure from MIA to MCO (arriving at 0915, displacing the 0650 departure).

That makes sense, for residents of So. FLA wanting to spend a day or a weekend at the theme parks. The parks mostly open at 9, or 10 in the off-season. The early trip from WPB to MIA would be a positioning move, but might as well open it to revenue.

 

[joelkfla]

Right. This is on one connecting AB to one of the mid field pods, where that other proximity information is not that critical. I think they just used an available panel without giving it much thought.

Even so, I presume the wayfinding for the new APM is now signed for both Terminal C and Train Station. Keeping those 2 destinations together on other signage seems less confusing.

 

[Steve4031]

Great news. I was hoping for early August. Then I could have included Amtrak in my trip to Florida to try this out. Now I will fly to Orlando and do a round trip.

 

[joelkfla]

Orlando Sentinel article says service may actually start sooner. Brightline official says they will announce start date soon, so passengers can book rides on the inaugural run.

Also of interest, there's an automatic 25% discount on Smart Service bookings for groups of 4. Fourth person rides free!

And $79 fares are "limited".

The Sentinel just added an article gifting option. Hopefully this link will bypass the paywall:
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/202...lorida-to-orlando/?share=nastnpiiwmli2s0rriht

 

[jis]

According to a post from an FECR project manager on the FECRS Members Only group on Facebook, the last segment of double tracking on the West Palm Beach - Cocoa segment between CP Pineda and CP Malabar through Melbourne was put into service today (6/4/23), thus completing the double tracking work on the old FECR line between Miami and Cocoa (minus Stuart Bridge).

Next item is to prepare the whole thing for through 110mph testing.

 

[jis]

MODERATOR'S NOTE: Since the Orlando extension work is now substantially complete, we will lock this thread and direct that discussion of Brightline Florida progress be carried on in the following thread:

https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/brightline-trains-florida-update.48373/
Thank you for you understanding, cooperation and participation.