Brightline heightens rail safety ahead of Miami extension

Brightline yesterday announced plans to continue its rail safety efforts as it prepares to launch service to downtown Miami.

The passenger railroad has begun crew testing on the Florida East Coast Railway corridor between Fort Lauderdale and downtown Miami. Simulated service is expected to begin shortly, Brightline officials said in a press release.

The railroad's latest safety efforts will include new public service announcements with the Miami Heat basketball team, along with the deployment of safety ambassadors and police officers at grade crossings.

Brightline leaders have been amping up their safety outreach after recent pedestrian deaths along its tracks, including two individuals who were fatally hit by Brightline trains during the railroad's first week of passenger service in January.

"The extension of Brightline to downtown Miami will be a game changer for the region’s transportation network, and the testing of this new service will coincide with the continuation of our aggressive safety campaign," said Brightline President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Goddard. "We continue to go above and beyond with our outreach and education efforts and thank our federal and local leaders for helping us amplify this message."

As part of the expanded outreach, Brightline will work with Operation Lifesaver Inc. to raise public awareness of railroad safety, distribute safety literature to schools along its corridor and host training for local first responders.

The railroad also is installing variable-message signs at high-traffic crossings between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Brightline's introductory phase of service operates between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida. Service to Miami is slated to begin by early May, the Miami Herald reported.