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This Is Now The Fastest Train In The Southeastern U.S. — Where You Can Ride It And How Fast It Goes

Allison Godlove
Mar.13.2023
Brightline train
A Brightline train in West Palm Beach, Florida
Photo credit: Jillian Cain Photography / Shutterstock.com
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    • Allison Godlove
    Mar.13.2023

    Brightline has made history as the fastest train in the Southeastern United States. The eco-friendly, intercity rail reached speeds of 130 miles per hour during testing between Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Florida. 

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    “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.”

    Historic Accomplishment

    Brightline made history during train testing between the new 35-mile rail route from Orlando International Airport and Cocoa Beach, Florida. The tracks run along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528. By reaching 130 miles per hour, Brightline broke its previous record of 110 miles per hour. That record was set during testing from Martin County to St. Lucie County. 

    How Fast Does Brightline Go?

    When in operation, passenger trains will travel at a max speed of 125 miles per hour, which is more than two miles per minute. During testing, Brightline is required to test at faster speeds. 

    Right now in South Florida, the maximum speed is 79 miles per hour. The Orlando Extension from West Palm Beach to Cocoa is 110 miles per hour and from Cocoa to Orlando International Airport is 125 miles per hour. 

    Opening In Orlando

    This historic accomplishment comes as Brightline gets closer to opening the station in Orlando this year. The new South Terminal is located at Orlando International Airport. It’s part of the Phase 2 expansion into Central Florida. It will connect South Florida to Central Florida in about three hours. 

    This phase also includes an extension into Tampa. 

    About Brightline

    Brightline is the only modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in the United States. Right now, trains serve Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Service in Orlando will begin in 2023 and there are plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. 

    To read other articles about Brightline, check out: 

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    • Image of Allison Godlove Allison Godlove View Full Profile

      Allison loves learning about new people and places and always jumps at the chance to take a trip. Whether it's visiting a town in her area or traveling across the country, she's up to explore!

      She has traveled outside the U.S. several times including trips to London, Switzerland, and a cruise through the Western Caribbean. Her favorite travel memory is visiting Sundsvall, Sweden, her great grandfather's birthplace. Growing up, she spent a lot of time with him, so it was special to see where he was born. It looked very similar to the town where she grew up in New York. Within the U.S., she continues to check states off the list, most recently making a trip to Alaska for her honeymoon.

      Allison spent almost 20 years of her career as a TV news anchor. She’s covered everything from political conventions to Super Bowl LV to hurricanes and, most recently, the pandemic. She is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist. She's been recognized for her work nationally and regionally by organizations including the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.