United States' First Commercial High-Speed Rail System Set to Open in Florida

Hoping to clear over 3 million cars from Florida’s congested highways, All Aboard Florida’s new $3 billion Brightline high-speed rail service will begin service later this month.

Brightline, the United States’ first privately-owned high speed rail, began initial tests last week between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, with an eventual plan to launch full passenger service before the end of the year, reports NPR. With arrangements for 16 daily departures from both Miami and Orlando, trains will offer a full range of premium amenities including Icomera Passenger Wi-Fi, gourmet meals and beverage service.

This announcement marks significant progress in the phase one section of this ambitious project. When completed, a round trip between Miami and West Palm Beach, which can often take upwards of five hours because of rush-hour highways, will only take about two hours by train.