^ im not sure I'd read too much into that graphic. There's zero evidence they have any involvement or interest in those regional proposals, most of which are in their infancy. I mean why is the NEC shown? Is Brightline proposing to compete with Acela and regionals? I doubt that.

It's all politics, bragging rights, who knows for sure. :shrug:
Amtrak is difficult to compete against in the intercity passenger rail market.
They are the only train company that can enforce using your property to do business anywhere in the entire country. So watch out.

What I can not understand is why so many think CSX is overcharging Amtrak for using its tracks between New Orleans and Mobile when FEC charged Brightline a similar amount for using its tracks between Miami and Cocoa Beach. Easily a $Billion in track upgrades for multiple trains a day services. Amtrak's $100 Million track upgrade plan seems slightly low in comparison. :???:

I think the cost differential can be attributed to the quality of the passenger rail service to be provided. 110+ mph speed trains vs 60 mph speed trains. I believe US passengers would prefer a top class well ran service; not the low ball, no frills services Amtrak wants to provide.

Yes! That's exactly what I wanted!! I can take HSR from Phoenix to Las Vegas. It's much easier for me. No more flying and no more take a FlixBus. Hope they come Phoenix soon. Brightline will be there.

Brightline a couple of times has expressed interest about competing with Amtrak for the NEC. Here's a presentation they gave a few month back mentioning corridors they'd want to expand to. NEC is not their immediate priority, but they want/wish to

Timestamps 33:20 & 46:04 - https://youtu.be/fM9cXb5pQdE?t=2764

Hmm, I learned something to-day. That said I do not see a private company competing with Amtrak on the NEC anytime soon, if ever. Amtrak even owns the NEC. What motivation would they have to allow an open access concession?

Also, where would Brightline find the land for the right-of-way in the Northeast?

I think if they are thinking about it at all, they are considering leasing access to Amtrak tracks to run a competing service. Why Amtrak would have any interest in that is beyond me.

Amtrak wouldn’t. Congress would need to force the issue.

Personally I would love it if Congress created a new agency to handle maintenance and capital projects, and reduced Amtrak to an operator only. Amtrak must be one of the most wasteful, inefficient organizations on the planet.

Brightline's plan is to build future HSR on medians of highways, such at LA to Las Vegas. That way they would save costs and time by only have to negotiate with state DOTs for a ROW rather than multiple private owners or Class I railroads.

It's safer also as it eliminates the at grade crossing element.

Doing so might answer questions many have about Amtrak's method of cost allocation between the NEC, the long distance routes, and the state-supported services.

Brightline will resume service in early November.

https://www.thenextmiami.com/brightl...7GnGIV4bc2wbrg

https://www.thenextmiami.com/here-ar...snlat2ddDUj9sk

Six Broward Train Stations (Including FLL Airport) Planned For Commuter Rail Service On Brightline Tracks

https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/...sts_po-organic

Businesses want to bring Brightline to I-Drive

Brightline Boca Raton station is a go! It will completed in Summer 2022.

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/...OifZstVwK3TZXE

Brightline’s Miami-Orlando Rail Line Is Now 60% Complete

As of today, construction crews have completed 60% of the work needed to complete the route, Brightline said.

The project remains on schedule, the company told investors recently.
Last month, Brightline told investors that there were over 1,130 construction workers actively engaged in the buildout of the system to Orlando during June 2021.

The project also remained within budget, the company said. Brightline has a combined construction budget of approximately $2.7 billion for both the new route to Orlando as well as new stations in the Miami area.

Groundbreaking of the new Orlando line took place in April 2019. The 50% mark was reached in December 2020.
Substantial completion of the work to Orlando is expected in December 2022, which will be followed by testing.
If the work and testing remains on schedule, the first customers will be able to board trains between Miami and Orlando in mid-2023.

https://www.thenextmiami.com/brightl...aches-60-mark/

Orlando International Airport Brightline Construction - August 31, 2021

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Rendering of the Rancho Cucamonga Station

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3e782e08_c.jpg

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CT98s0jNyCw/

Heads up!!!

BrightRed trainset is on the way to Florida now. Get it ready! Get your camera ready!!

https://www.thenextmiami.com/miami-t...mYSmtoL3w8xCWM

They are on the way now. BrightRed.

• Video Link

Building Brightline's Trains: A Tour Inside Siemens Sacramento Rolling Stock Factory

• Video Link