NEWS: Brightline Train Route to Disney World Hits Major Milestone

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the progress of the Brightline train, a high-speed train that will connect its Miami station to Orlando. The expansion includes plans for a future Disney Springs stop.

©Brightline

While there have been some bumps along the way during construction, the new line has been making steady progress. In May of 2021, it was revealed that the track between Miami and Orlando was halfway completed. And now, several more big milestones have been reached in the expansion project.

WESH 2 News reports that Brightline will begin test runs from West Palm Beach to Cocoa on Tuesday. In a news release, the company expanded on the testing, saying, “Brightline is beginning the new year with a critical step toward the completion of its intercity rail system connecting Miami and Orlando.”

©Brightline

During the test runs, there will be no passengers on board and the trains won’t exceed 60 mph. This process allows drivers to become familiar with the 130 miles along the corridor alongside a manager who is already experienced with the area.

Brightline Train Construction

Brightline also revealed that the construction to Orlando is now 70% complete at this time. According to the company, the expansion is expected to be done by the end of the year, with service beginning in 2023.

UPDATE: The Brightline test run officially took place on January 18th, 2022! See a video of its first passenger-less practice run between South Florida and the Orlando International Airport (MCO) below.

🎶I Hear The Train A-Comin'; It's Rollin' 'Round The Bend 🚊 First @GoBrightline train enters Brevard County for a practice run between south Florida and @MCO without passengers. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/mn4PRF1yZP

— James Sparvero (@News6James) January 18, 2022