Privately funded high speed rail project nears finish

What seemed to be a dream that many believed would eventually fade away is well on its way to becoming a reality. In 2011, Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) announced plans for a privately funded passenger rail system envisioned to transform the way people travel throughout Florida. Despite years of anti-rail opposition, operations are expected to start before the end of the year on ambitious project that combines rail transit with transit oriented development. Here is a brief overview of where the $3 billion privately funded passenger rail project currently stands.

Fort Lauderdale Station

In Fort Lauderdale, Brightline’s completed station covers 60,000-square-feet with a multi-story lobby spanning an elevated passenger lounge area and parking facilities. It is directly connect to the Sun Trolley, Broward County Transit and future streetcar and commuter rail lines. Although it’s expected to create more than $333 million in economic impact for Broward County through 2021, there’s no TOD currently under development at the station. However, the possibility exists for as much as two million square feet of future TOD. October 2017 signage at the station indicates an office tower is currently proposed.

Fort Lauderdale Station October 2017 Images