Locals Get 1st Look At Miami To Orlando Train Plans
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The community got its first look at a new train system that would connect South and Central Florida.
All Aboard Florida threw a VIP party at the Perez Art Museum to showcase its Brightline train service - a project developed by Florida East Coast Industries.
The system will connect Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando and will run 32 times a day.
"So instead of being in your car looking at a sea of tail lights, you're going to be comfortable," said Mike Reininger, president of All Aboard Florida.
Those wanting to avoid the road altogether can hop on a bus then jump on a train.
"The direct connection between Metro Rail, Tri Rail, Metro Mover and Inter City service along with the Miami-Dade transit within a few steps provides a truly integrated transpiration option for people traveling to and from downtown Miami," said Reininger.
It's the only privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail system in the United States, meaning it's no damage to tax payers.
Construction is underway at all four stations and crews are working throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties to clear land along the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway corridor to make way for a second track. The new track will run parallel to the FEC line, allowing two trains to pass each other.
All Aboard Florida plans to launch service between Miami and West Palm Beach in 2017. The West Palm Beach-to-Orlando span is expected to begin by the end of 2017.