We can report some positive news from Florida! We recently took the new Brightline train from West Palm Beach to Miami for a Marlins’ game (The team’s state-of-the art stadium is just a 5-minute Lyft ride from the Miami station.) On this trip we glimpsed the future of mass transit in America. The Brightline, which launched in May, connects West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. By  2021, we’ve heard, the service will connect West Palm with  Orlando, and, later, Tampa. Feeder lines will evolve gradually. (Of note: The Brightline is the first for-profit rail service to operate in the U.S. in decades.)

What a civilized way to travel—carefree and car free! We need more trains like this across the U.S. to get us out of our polluting cars and free us from the stress of driving on crowded, dangerous highways.

We found this train to immaculate, sleek and sexy. And it’s obviously a big hit with both adults and children! Consider the following choo-choo amenities: diesel-electric engines for lower emissions and reduced noise; on-time service that’s much faster and more punctual than autos; free Wi-Fi and plenty of charging outlets; large, immaculate, hi-tech “hands-free” restrooms; comfortable seating; friendly waiters offering plenty of snacks and drinks, including beers, wines, champagnes, and cocktails. The average speed is 80 mph on southerly routes and will max out at 125 on northerly routes with fewer rail crossings. Lyft pick-up areas at ultra-modern stations ensure seamless connections to your final destination.  One-way ticket prices from West Palm to Miami (for adults) are $20 for “Smart” or basic service, $25 for “SmartPlus” (snacks and  a drink or cocktail)  and $35  for “Select” service (which includes high-end cocktails, a rotating menu of “bites” and complimentary parking). Group and monthly passes are available.

The Brightline will encourage all of us to rethink how we get around Florida. How nice to know that we can travel to Fort Lauderdale and Miami without risking our lives on Interstate 95!  Spread the good news. Gobrightline.com