Brightline Train Sets New Record

Brightline announced it is officially the fastest train in Florida and the Southeastern U.S. after reaching speeds of 130 mph.

The accomplishment took place while Brightline conducted train testing along its new 35-mile rail corridor between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa, Florida, according to the company's news release. The new tracks are built along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, which is fenced and has no grade crossings.

During testing, Brightline trains are required to test faster than planned operating speeds. Once carrying passengers, Brightline trains will travel at maximum speeds of 125 mph, which is more than two miles per minute.

“Reaching 130 isn’t just another milestone to our team, but the continuation of a dream that we’ve been working towards for several years,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline Trains. “More importantly, this historic feat brings us one step closer to launching Brightline service between Orlando and Miami.”

By reaching 130 mph Brightline broke its previous record of 110 mph, which the company set last fall during testing through Martin and St. Lucie Counties in Florida’s Treasure Coast.

“Florida has always been at the forefront of train travel since the days when Henry Flagler connected Jacksonville to the Keys,” said Jim Kovalsky, president, Florida East Coast Railway Society. “Back then, there were reports that trains ran at 100 mph, but no one ever dreamed of reaching 130 mph. Brightline dreamed big and did it. History has been made and Henry Flagler would be proud.” 

Here are the maximum speeds for a Brightline train:

• Current operations in South Florida: 79 mph.
• Orlando extension from West Palm Beach to Cocoa: 110 mph.
• Cocoa to Orlando International Airport: 125 mph.

The Brightline train sets are powered by two locomotives, one on each end, that are 16-cylinder, 4,000-horsepower Cummins EPA Tier-IV compliant diesel-electric engines. These locomotives and coaches are manufactured by Siemens Rolling Stock Facility in Sacramento, California.

Trains will continue testing between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa daily throughout March between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.