Brightline Launches, Connecting Miami and Fort Lauderdale by Rail
The launch of Brightline in 2017 marked a historic moment for South Florida — the first privately operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States in more than a century, connecting Miami and Fort Lauderdale with a fast, comfortable, and stylish train service.
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From the Vault · 2017
This is an archival piece from the Premier Guide Miami collection. The coverage, context, and details reflect the time it was originally published.
The launch of Brightline in 2017 marked a historic moment for South Florida — the first privately operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States in more than a century. The service, connecting Miami and Fort Lauderdale with a fast, comfortable, and stylish train, was a genuine departure from the car-dependent culture that had defined South Florida for generations.
Brightline's arrival was about more than transportation. It was a statement about the kind of city Miami was becoming — one that was growing up, building density, and beginning to imagine a future that was less dependent on the car. The train's sleek design, its comfortable interiors, and its convenient stations made it an immediate hit with commuters and day-trippers alike.
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The PGM Edit
The launch of Brightline in 2017 marked a historic moment for South Florida — the first privately operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States in more than a century, connecting Miami and Fort Lauderdale with a fast, comfortable, and stylish train service.
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