A Brightline train wrap illustrates the commitment to green initiatives. Brightline
Brightline, Florida's privately funded passenger rail system, announced that its five-train fleet will run carbon-neutral for the month of February. Throughout the month of February, thanks to Brightline's ongoing energy partner Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), all Brightline carbon emissions will be offset with renewable energy credits (RECs).
From its inception, Brightline has been committed to implementing green initiatives across the company and through its strategic partnership with FPL, its trains are fueled by clean biodiesel in South Florida. Further, Brightline's train sets meet the highest emissions standards, Tier 4, set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each trainset is powered by Siemens Charger locomotives equipped with a projected consumption of two gallons of fuel per mile.
The rail service's Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach Brightline stations feature FPL SolarNow trees, and a solar canopy is planned for Virgin MiamiCentral station that will generate clean, renewable energy for the grid and shade for guests. Additionally, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations are also available at all Brightline station garages.
Brightline, soon to be Virgin Trains, is planning its expansion to connect Las Vegas to Southern California and will feature all-electric train sets. Construction is slated to begin later this year.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.