NEWS: Florida Lawmakers To Consider a Brightline Train Expansion to Tampa

Florida’s new Brightline Train station at Orlando Airport has been a huge help for many travelers coming in and out of the city.

Outside the Brightline Miami Station

We recently reported that the train is offering free kids tickets for a limited time, and we got a sneak peek at a new Brightline station coming in 2024. But could the railway expand to Tampa? We have a new update for you!

If the Brightline train were to expand to Tampa, land would have to be set aside along Interstate 4 under a bill filed for the 2024 legislative session, according to Fox35.

Brightline Train

The proposal, SB 1226, was filed by Senate Transportation Chair Nick DiCeglie. It “would require the Florida Department of Transportation to preserve a 44-foot-wide rail corridor in the interstate’s right-of-way.”

Brightline Station at the Orlando Airport

The Department of Transportation would also need to consider infrastructure issues, such as the spacing of bridge columns and barriers separating the railway from the highway. This expansion idea comes after the success of the Brightline train traveling to South Florida.

Brightline train

The request will be considered during the legislative session that begins on Tuesday, January 9th.

©Brightline

We had the chance to take the Brighltine train from MCO to Miami in October. The experience was great; we fully reviewed the process from boarding to arrival.