TriRail to begin training, testing for MiamiCentral Station

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (TriRail) has signed an agreement with Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) and private train operator Brightline to begin training and testing in preparation of TriRail service at MiamiCentral Station.

TriRail has negotiated with the two parties to begin offering rail services on the 8-mile span of track on the FEC Corridor that connects with the South Florida Rail Corridor, TriRail officials said in a press release.

TriRail engineers and conductors will be trained to operate trains on the FEC Corridor through route familiarization, testing of power units and checking rides. Once that training is completed, TriRail can begin training additional staff.

Automatic train control and positive train control technologies will also be tested during this time, TriRail officials said.

"One of my main goals when arriving in South Florida was to ensure we were having quality conversations with our partners at Brightline and the FEC, knowing it is the only way we are going to get through the hurdles that have been holding us up," said Executive Director David Dech, who has led TriRail since August.