Rebecca,
The reason you can't connect to a train to go to Atlanta or most other places is because THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY.
Thank Congress & the president for taking $$$ from the greedy "road gang," the highway lobby that doesn't want Congress to give more than CRUMBS to passenger rail.
Of course, trains are needed to connect Florida to Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago & many other destinations.
But as long as we have a Congress that continues to criticize Amtrak for "losing money" all the while ignoring the billions of subsidies given to competing transportation modes, we will continue to have a mediocre Third World passenger rail system.
Don - 6 years ago
What will you do once you arrive at the station?
Isn't that a question to be asked of ANY transportation system?
Wouldn't one require a rental car at most airports in this mandatory fly/drive system in the U.S.?
Kimberly - 6 years ago
Many people are comparing the cost of driving or Tri-Rail vs Brightline fares. . . .of course driving will always be cheaper but how much do you value your time or convenience? I rode Brightline on it's 2nd day in service roundtrip from WPB to Ft. Lauderdale and it was incredible how quickly and easily you get from WPB to Ft. Lauderdale. 30 mins! The trip is direct and there are no stops like Tri-Rail. For instance, let's say you live in WPB and want to attend the boat show in Ft. Lauderdale. If you drive, you have to account for traffic on the interstate and around the venue, plus parking. Also, if you want to have a drink or two, you have to limit yourself so you can drive home. Utilizing Brightline makes this trip much quicker, easier, and similar in price as driving but you have eliminated many of the hassles. Once Miami and Orlando are added, BL will give everyone the option to fly in/out of Miami/Orlando/Ft. Lauderdale or WPB so that by itself is a huge advantage. Don't knock it until you try it!!
Mike Cieslinski - 6 years ago
This will be THE way to travel to Miami for anyone in South Florida including the Treasure Coast. If you have not tried driving to Miami lately on I-95 or parking in Miami you just don't get it.
Rebecca Acosta - 6 years ago
A round trip to Miami or Orlando from Indian River County only costs about $40 at most in gas. AND, why would I drive south to Ft .Pierce to get a train that , northbound, doesn't connect with any other train...I can't go to Atlanta or even Jacksonville on it. I will never ride it but will probably be paying for it the rest of my life.
Dan Dimon - 6 years ago
I live in Indian River County, it will be of no use to me, or anyone else on the Treasure Coast.
All I get to do is set at traffic congested crossings, and watch over 30+ trains cut through the busiest parts of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River countys, bringing everything to a halt, including Police and Emergency units.
Please tell me who this benefits? ---- With any luck it will be belly up soon!
MK - 6 years ago
So how do I get around when I get there, and what will THAT cost?
Steve A - 6 years ago
Doesn't look like I will ever ride this train. Unfortunately looks like it's going to be unaffordable to the average person. The introductory ticket from West Palm round trip to Fort Lauderdale is $20. There is no free parking at the brightline stations. At least Tri Rail has park and ride and their rates are cheaper! I can just imagine what the inflated cost will be going to Orlando. When you can drive to Orlando and back for under $20 in gas from Fort Pierce.
Keith D. - 6 years ago
Looking forward to riding from Fort Pierce to Orlando and Miami!
Tom S. - 6 years ago
With no stops on the Treasure Coast or even Northern Palm Beach County, I can't see where I'll ever use it. That and the fact that it's expensive, especially for a family. Doesn't go from where I live, to where I want to go.
I don't see it be of much value to many people except maybe those vacationers who take a cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and then want to go to Disney.
Cher Carter - 6 years ago
looking forward to the extended service to Orlando
Rebecca,
The reason you can't connect to a train to go to Atlanta or most other places is because THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY.
Thank Congress & the president for taking $$$ from the greedy "road gang," the highway lobby that doesn't want Congress to give more than CRUMBS to passenger rail.
Of course, trains are needed to connect Florida to Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago & many other destinations.
But as long as we have a Congress that continues to criticize Amtrak for "losing money" all the while ignoring the billions of subsidies given to competing transportation modes, we will continue to have a mediocre Third World passenger rail system.
What will you do once you arrive at the station?
Isn't that a question to be asked of ANY transportation system?
Wouldn't one require a rental car at most airports in this mandatory fly/drive system in the U.S.?
Many people are comparing the cost of driving or Tri-Rail vs Brightline fares. . . .of course driving will always be cheaper but how much do you value your time or convenience? I rode Brightline on it's 2nd day in service roundtrip from WPB to Ft. Lauderdale and it was incredible how quickly and easily you get from WPB to Ft. Lauderdale. 30 mins! The trip is direct and there are no stops like Tri-Rail. For instance, let's say you live in WPB and want to attend the boat show in Ft. Lauderdale. If you drive, you have to account for traffic on the interstate and around the venue, plus parking. Also, if you want to have a drink or two, you have to limit yourself so you can drive home. Utilizing Brightline makes this trip much quicker, easier, and similar in price as driving but you have eliminated many of the hassles. Once Miami and Orlando are added, BL will give everyone the option to fly in/out of Miami/Orlando/Ft. Lauderdale or WPB so that by itself is a huge advantage. Don't knock it until you try it!!
This will be THE way to travel to Miami for anyone in South Florida including the Treasure Coast. If you have not tried driving to Miami lately on I-95 or parking in Miami you just don't get it.
A round trip to Miami or Orlando from Indian River County only costs about $40 at most in gas. AND, why would I drive south to Ft .Pierce to get a train that , northbound, doesn't connect with any other train...I can't go to Atlanta or even Jacksonville on it. I will never ride it but will probably be paying for it the rest of my life.
I live in Indian River County, it will be of no use to me, or anyone else on the Treasure Coast.
All I get to do is set at traffic congested crossings, and watch over 30+ trains cut through the busiest parts of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River countys, bringing everything to a halt, including Police and Emergency units.
Please tell me who this benefits? ---- With any luck it will be belly up soon!
So how do I get around when I get there, and what will THAT cost?
Doesn't look like I will ever ride this train. Unfortunately looks like it's going to be unaffordable to the average person. The introductory ticket from West Palm round trip to Fort Lauderdale is $20. There is no free parking at the brightline stations. At least Tri Rail has park and ride and their rates are cheaper! I can just imagine what the inflated cost will be going to Orlando. When you can drive to Orlando and back for under $20 in gas from Fort Pierce.
Looking forward to riding from Fort Pierce to Orlando and Miami!
With no stops on the Treasure Coast or even Northern Palm Beach County, I can't see where I'll ever use it. That and the fact that it's expensive, especially for a family. Doesn't go from where I live, to where I want to go.
I don't see it be of much value to many people except maybe those vacationers who take a cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and then want to go to Disney.
looking forward to the extended service to Orlando