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The United States isn't known for top-notch train travel (see: the rest of the world), but a few recent developments are offering some hope for those who would prefer to travel by rail.
In Florida, the fastest train just launched to connect two regions of the state. Brightline, which provides modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America reached speeds of 130 mph during testing along a new 35-mile rail corridor between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa, Florida.
“Reaching 130 isn’t just another milestone to our team, but the continuation of a dream that we’ve been working towards for several years,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline Trains. “More importantly, this historic feat brings us one step closer to launching Brightline service between Orlando and Miami.”
During testing, Brightline trains are required to test faster than their planned operating speeds. Once they're carrying passengers, the trains will travel at maximum speeds of 125 mph i.e. more than two miles per minute, twice as fast as you can drive. Plus, with new tracks built along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, which is fenced and has no grade crossings, there won't be any traffic or stops.
Opening later this year, Brightline's Orlando Station will connect between South and Central Florida in about three hours, hopefully relieving congestion along the route and offering a more efficient way to travel between Miami and Orlando. Currently, Brightline offers routes between Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. One-way trip starts at $10 per passenger, depending on the destination.