A timeline of the Florida East Coast Railway tracks through the Treasure Coast. LISA BROADT/TCPALM Wochit
Nearly six years after the project was first announced, Brightline this weekend will begin limited passenger service between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, the company announced Thursday.
Introductory fares will be $10 each way for Smart Service, Brightline's coach class, and $15 for Select Service, Brightline's business class. Seniors, active military and veterans will receive a 10 percent discount, and kids under 12 will receive half-price tickets, as part of discounted introductory fares, according to Brightline.
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Initial service will include 10 daily round trips on weekdays and nine on weekends. Train schedules will vary day to day, but are expected to range from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Brightline said Thursday.
The trip between the cities will take about 35 minutes, according to the company.
Brightline on Thursday morning debuted a new ticketing website and mobile app which allows customers to check train times and book tickets.
Brightline also announced Thursday Patrick Goddard, formerly an operations team leader, has been promoted to company president.
Brightline unveiled its West Palm Beach station Tuesday. LISA BROADT/TCPALM Wochit
“We are thrilled to have South Florida preview Brightline with the launch of introductory service,” Goddard said in an emailed statement.
“We believe the comfort and convenience of our travel experience, paired with premium hospitality, will set a new standard for passenger rail service. Our team will continue to ramp up operations as we prepare to fully launch this transformative new infrastructure asset for South Florida.”
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The company previously had said service to Miami would begin early this year, but on Thursday said only the expansion was expected in “the coming months.”
Construction on Phase 2, from West Palm Beach, through the Treasure and Space coasts and on to Orlando International Airport could begin as soon as this month.
This story will be updated.
Watch for TCPalm's coverage Friday, when Brightline opens West Palm-to-Fort Lauderdale service to the media.