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.

West Palm Beach Station

In West Palm Beach, a $29 million, 60,000-square-foot station has been completed between just south of Clematis Street. Located in the heart of downtown and designed for convenience, the West Palm Beach station is expected to become a catalyst for transit oriented development. Anticipating reaping the benefits of commuters seeking transit oriented development, Brightline is in the midst of building a 24-story tower that will house 290 apartments under the Park-Line brand. The station also appears to be wooing other developers. For example, Phoenix, Arizona-based Alliance Residential Company is well underway on the construction of an 322-unit, eight-story apartment building across the street.

West Palm Beach Station October 2017 Images