Private Company Brings High-Speed Rail to Florida

by Pa Rock

Rail-Riding Citizen Journalist

While there are times that the entire state of Florida seems to be stuck in the last century, at least from social and political perspectives, it is apparently racing forward in the field of transportation.  Last week a private company in the "book-ban" and "don't say gay" state launched a high-speed rail service between Orlando and Miami - with a stop in West Palm Beach - that makes the 235 mile trip in three-and-a half-hours.  And while that is far from super-sonic, it is quite fast for land travel.  During the 235-mile trip the train reaches speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, and is, according to its promotional materials, greener and safer than other forms of transportation.

The line is operated by "Brightline," which, in turn, is owned by the Forest Investment Group.   It is the first private, intercity rail operation to begin service in the United States in over a century.  The company began running the shorter (70-mile) route between West Palm Beach and Miami in 2018.  It is also building a line between Southern California and Las Vegas which should open in 2027 and will reach speeds of up to 190 miles per hour.

The only other high-speed rail service currently in operation in the United States is the Amtrak Acela Line that runs from Boston to Washington, DC, which benefits many of the nation's "haves" as well as a big chunk of its political class.  The Amtrak Acela Line has been in operation since 2000,  Amtrak is owned by American taxpayers and operated by the federal government.

"Brightline" is charging business-class riders $158 for a round-trip ticket between Orlando and Miami, and a first-class ticket is going for $298.   Families and groups can buy four round-trip tickets for $398.  Thirty-two trains run the route daily.

While small private rail lines are laudable and fill a gap, it will take the resources of the national government to provide the necessary rail infrastructure to create a nationwide high-speed rail service.  The Biden campaign made noises in the 2020 election cycle about establishing high-speed rail travel across the United States, but so far that program does not seem to have moved beyond the level of campaign noise.  A good, strong, high-speed rail network could do much to bring the country together, as well as move us toward a greener and safer future.    And there really is no case for waiting.  

Wake up, @SecretaryPete, and get the high-speed trains rolling!