Brightline to launch initial service next week

Brightline next week will launch introductory passenger-rail service between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The company is working toward operational readiness by training staff and testing equipment, Brightline officials said in a press release late last week.

In early 2018, the company expects to become fully operational and extend service into downtown Miami.

Service along the initial route originally was expected to launch in summer 2017. Several legal, financial and environmental challenges have delayed the project in recent years, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

The company hasn't yet announced a launch date for the second phase of service, which will run from West Palm Beach to Orlando.

Last month, Brightline began "simulated service" along the introductory route. To learn more about the company's plan to launch its privately funded passenger-rail service in southeastern Florida, read this feature from Progressive Railroading's April 2017 issue.