Brightline Expands High-Speed Rail Service to Orlando and Miami, Sparks Debate Over Station Locations

Brightline, a private rail company, has launched its train service from Miami to Orlando, completing a $6 billion investment in Florida. The 235-mile, 3.5-hour ride marks the first privately owned passenger operator to connect two major U.S. metropolitan areas in decades. Brightline plans to expand further with a $12 billion high-speed railway project from Las Vegas to Southern California. The company aims to have trains traveling at 186 mph on American tracks by 2028. The new line promises faster trip times and modern amenities, attracting both locals and tourists. With the expansion to Orlando, Brightline projects carrying 8 million people annually.