We’ll admit that we were blown away when the Brightline train made its way to Orlando International Airport. The journey was so convenient and stress-free that it could be the only way to travel around Florida.
Since then, Brightline has continued to expand, even as far as the West Coast, but there are still plans to connect more of Florida, too. According to The Orlando Business Journal, a potential Brightline expansion from Orlando to Florida just recently got more support.
Brightline has proposed a $400 million bond-funded expansion that would run from Orlando to Tampa. A public hearing recently held by The Florida Development Finance Corp. looked for the community’s input on the potential expansion. Florida business leaders voiced strong support for the new route.
The new route would extend west from Orlando International Airport and along the Orlando Utilities Commission plant to an existing SunRail corridor. Then it will head toward Taft-Vineland Road and State Road 528 and connect to the I-4 corridor to hug the corridor to Tampa. Brightline is currently developing an environment study to provide a definitive route for this connection.
Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, said, “Expanding Brightline to Tampa is the next crucial step for Florida’s sports and tourism industries. Tampa is not just known as a growing economic center, but also as a major destination for world-class sporting events, tournaments, and entertainment that draws thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond.”
Other business leaders agreed, stressing that the expansion would create more jobs, seamlessly connect key destinations, and more. I’ve been covering Brightline since the Orlando route was announced, and I think this is also exciting news for those who might want to visit both Orlando and Tampa Bay theme parks. It also makes it easier for Floridians to visit other cities within the state.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for updates, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.
Why Is Everyone So Obsessed With the Orlando Airport Brightline Train?
What do you think? Would this new route be something you’d be interested in traveling? Let us know in the comments.
Brightline needs this or else it may become state run!
Go rail
Will it stop somewhere near WDW?