Brightline highlights 'carbon neutral' practices in February

Brightline, the passenger-rail service in southeastern Florida, announced last week that its five-train fleet will operate carbon neutral throughout February.

Under an arrangement with Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL), all Brightline carbon emissions will be offset with renewable energy credits.

Brightline has been committed to implementing green initiatives across the company since its inception. Its trains are fueled by biodiesel and meet Tier-4 emissions standards, company officials said in a press release.

In addition, Brightline stations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach feature FPL SolarNow trees, which are solar structures that provide shade and harness solar power. A solar canopy is planned for Virgin MiamiCentral station, which Brightline serves.

Moreover, electric vehicle charging stations are available at Brightline station garages.

"Traveling by train is an easy way to be a steward of the environment as it simply takes cars off the road," said Brightline President Patrick Goddard.

Soon to be known as Virgin Trains, Brightline develops and operates privately funded high-speed intercity passenger-rail systems. Currently, rail service is available between downtown Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with plans to connect to Orlando.

The company is planning an expansion to connect Las Vegas to Southern California, where it will operate all electric trains. Construction is slated to begin on that project later this year, Brightline officials said.