SCOTUS Squashes Florida County Brightline Suit
Indian River County knew its chance to be heard in front of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) was slim, but a small group thought it was better than none.
Brightline
Brightline, Virgin Rail Parting Company
The honeymoon between Brightline, the private-sector luxury passenger train in Florida, and the Virgin brand is over. It lasted for fewer than two years. When we reported about the change in branding from Brightline to Virgin Trains USA late in 2018, it appeared that the edgy and innovative Brightline brand was headed for oblivion. It now seems that the COVID-19 virus is responsible for the reversal of events that led to a parting of the ways. Whatever the reason, the Brightline brand will now live again.
Heavy Rain, Hurricanes and a Pandemic Don’t Slow Work on Orlando Extension: Rail Group on Air
RT&S Editor-in-Chief Bill Wilson checks in with Brightline Executive Vice President of Rail Infrastructure Mike Cegelis on how construction is moving along on the Orlando Extension high-speed rail project.
Commuter Rail Coalition Secretary-Treasurer and SFRTA (Tri-Rail) Executive Director Steven Abrams: Rail Group On Air Podcast
Railway Age Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono hosts Commuter Rail Coalition Secretary-Treasurer Steven Abrams, Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail). Joining them is Joe Yesbeck, National Director Rail and
Tri-Rail, Virgin Trains USA Vying for Miami Access
A railroad battle is shaping up in Miami. Two competitors want to serve potential commuters into Brightline’s new Miami Central downtown hub. It may not be as dramatic as the Chile War, when the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Denver & Rio Grande Western literally fought armed skirmishes to determine who could build new rail lines in the New Mexico Territory in the early 1880s, but it nevertheless is a battle.
Report: Brightline Has Highest U.S. Crossing/Trespasser Death Rate
According to a report from the Associated Press, Brightline and its higher-speed Florida trains have the highest U.S. grade crossing collision/trespasser death rate.
Virgin Rail Service Surpasses 1MM Riders
After about only a year and a half in service, Virgin Trains recently surpassed one-million riders.
Windschmitt joins Quandel as Director of Railroad Operations
Quandel Consultants announced on April 15 that Peter Windschmitt has joined the national rail and transit firm as Director of Railroad Operations.
Branson, Goddard christen MiamiCentral
Sir Richard Branson and Patrick Goddard marked the beginning of Brightline’s transition to Virgin Trains USA on April 4 with a ceremony at Virgin MiamiCentral Station that unveiled the passenger rail service’s new branding graphics. Brightline is the express intercity passenger rail service that currently connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with expected service to Orlando and Tampa, and between Las Vegas and Southern California.
Virgin Trains USA readies for NASDAQ IPO
Virgin Trains USA announced Jan. 30 that it is launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 28,334,000 shares of common stock. The NASDAQ Global Select Market listing is expected to raise $17 to $19 per share—between $482 million and $538 million—resulting in the company having a market capitalization of up to $3.2 billion.