BRIGHTLINE (Virgin Trains USA) - America's AWESOME new train!

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[@Paul_Lucas]

Happy new year and may 2020 bring health and happiness! Get Surfshark VPN on a special holidays deal - at surfshark.deals/winginit - Enter promo code WINGINIT for 83% off and THREE EXTRA MONTHS for free!

[@theroadtosunrise]

I must say I have been very happy with Surfshark, so it wasn’t a bad idea to start an account. 😊

[@Crm_Spotting]

Great video again please can you subscribe it will be a great help

[@williambonsor3915]

Wingin’ It! Paul Lucas If Only trains were like that in the UK It looks so nice I know if I ever go to Florida I will use that method of transport🤯😍

[@dodoubleg2356]

& same to you & yours 😉

[@Crm_Spotting]

#travel 15 thx for subscribing it will go a long way

[@BethFrench97]

Can’t believe how few people are on it especially when prices are so low. Wish the UK was like that

[@aarronvanburen8612]

It's a shame how much my fellow Americans fail to grasp the concept of how riding a train is so much easier on traffic and environment. No jams or anything. People REFUSE to take trains, but I'm sure once the Orlando branch is finished it will be busy as hell.

[@quantumfoam2843]

We like our cars here, unfortunately.

[@Paul_Lucas]

Beth French It is! Travel at 1030 in the morning ons weekday and many intercity routes are carrying fresh air.

[@sensitivecake]

The reason you don't see more people is that this area has a perfectly good public rail system called Trirail (short for tri-county railway). Trirail is half the speed of brightline, but this same route (on a track system about a quarter mile away from this one) would cost 6.50. Brightline's real draw is that it will someday link to Orlando which means that people who want to go to Disney, or students attending the University of Central Florida, will be able to travel with less stress.

[@mahzorimipod]

Because trains are socialism and Americans are not socialists but freedomists

[@bayuchemist]

all of that for $36??? unbelievable!!

[@curtisj2165]

$16 if you go in the lower class, which looks better than England's first class

[@bodyloverz30]

Plus with unlimited drinks, including hard liquor it is a good deal.

[@matthewbrown6628]

WOW! still a rip off compared to the other commuter train that goes from West Palm Beach to Miami (Tri-Rail) is only $5 roundtrip on weekends.

[@bodyloverz30]

@@matthewbrown6628 Tri-Rail is horrible and Virgin is Luxury and a first class operation, through & through!

[@johnevans6399]

I can't believe it, you used the word : toilet, in the USA. Yes you could have gone on there and shot numerous people and excuses would have been made, but TOILET! Quick, get out while you still can. 😨🤔🎅

[@73gmiller]

The only thing the train is missing is people

[@SignatureAJ]

Greg Miller because it’s private it’s a private rail way system

[@73gmiller]

Aqua Crafts I took a Amtrak train out of Tampa yesterday. It was packed and not nearly as nice. More expensive. So I really hope it catches on.

[@SignatureAJ]

Wait I never new Amtrak Extends to Tampa I thought it stays in NewYork

[@TakingTransit]

@@SignatureAJ Amtrak runs all over the country

[@SignatureAJ]

Bus 26 Well thanks for the feedback I actually never new that I thought they run up all the way to Connecticut

[@trainsdestinations3960]

This is what Amtrak should be and should've been by now.

[@nightflyer3242]

They are with the new Acela trainsets coming in in 2021.

[@MrAnonymousRandom]

It would be there by now if it didn't have to run unprofitable routes.

[@jaquaviontaviousbonquequex9066]

@@MrAnonymousRandom or if our politicians actually thought about Amtrak for once

[@spamfried894]

Amtrak is what Brightline will look like when the subsidies dry up.

[@vinceiswatchingyou]

Trains & Destinations state run wotcha expect

[@CarlD08]

The Orlando extension is also planned to stop at Walt Disney World, which would make this a huge asset for overseas travellers flying into MCO. The Disney station is in advance talks I believe. I can't wait for it to be completed!

[@cak4539]

I live in the Orlando area. If it's only going as far north as Disney then the locals may not be attracted to it. It needs to have a stop in downtown Orlando where it can potentially meet up with Sunrail which services the northern bedroom communities to Orlando.

[@riley8280]

@@cak4539 i Believe the Orlando station is already built, its attached to the International Airport

[@JoeyGarcia914009]

Do you know if they will have a stop in Brevard County (Melbourne/Viera/Cocoa)?

[@riley8280]

@@JoeyGarcia914009 brevard and cocoa are hoping for stations and are in talks with brightline but no official announcement has been made

[@sadmanh0]

damn, I gotta hold off my trip to Disney World till it opens then

[@cqholt]

Those aren't the suburbs, that's just what Florida looks like. That area is actually the densest part of Florida.

[@richiesd1]

Carl Holt, that was funny! Foreigners don’t know that America is al about sprawl.

[@redditstop1653]

Time stamp please.

[@tescomealdeals4613]

yah, everyone needs separate houses so that way when the Floridians inevitably do crack, they need a separate house so they don't anger their neighbors and have a crack battle.

[@tescomealdeals4613]

@@redditstop1653 7:46

[@redditstop1653]

@@tescomealdeals4613 ty! I totally forgot about this comment lol

[@ManOfSteel1]

Railways create lots of jobs so always support it!

[@dbclass4075]

@gregory hatton By itself, yes. But the areas surrounding stations will get massive job boost.

[@invalidcrazy7034]

@gregory hatton They actually don't create very few jobs. One of the things that makes Amtrak this unprofitable is how many skilled engineers it requires to run the lines.

[@JRPGGUY]

Wished we could get rail service like this everywhere in the us

[@roy_hks]

Brandon No, you don’t. Having a great rail service everywhere means more people will use it, and these trains will NOT be able to cope with large numbers of commuters.

[@JRPGGUY]

@@roy_hks trains can't cope? With all those seats inside? Ok

[@ronylouis0]

@@JRPGGUY yeah, apparently he thinks cars or planes can cope better with passengers than trains lmao

[@roy_hks]

Brandon Compare those to trains in the Netherlands on highly used lines. They have put comfort over practicality with seating that are much too big and too far separated. Dutch trains use a 2-2 concept just like any other european country with a highly used train network.

[@roy_hks]

ronylouis Thanks for making bullshit conclusions.

[@ecoops123]

Damn I'm jealous.... I wish I went on this train when I was there. It's weird seeing a high quality American train 😂

[@PHLCoffeeSnob]

SEPTA Silverliner V trains are really cool to look at/ride in

[@ecoops123]

@Pop Films We have many high quality trains. I'm from England, train central literally 😂

[@crusinscamp]

Ah, SEPTA, I remember when the routes were Reading Railroad and you could actually open the windows on the MUs and how they "notched out" pulling away from the station as the engineer picked the next tap on the transformer. SEPTA's done well with the Silverliners. I always enjoy passing through the cuts and fills south of Ambler on the old R5 line. With the latest Silverliners you can sit up front and get a really good view, a railfan's favorite. Cheers and Happy New Year to you.

[@andresa1963]

There are awesome qualities trains with one of the highest safety standard in the world, in the United States.

[@dinostudios6579]

We have high quality trains, they are just usually commuter trains.

[@lngvly22]

Brightline is fantastic, and it’s especially good since, in my opinion, I-95 in south Florida is among the worst stretches of road in America.

[@lngvly22]

gregory hatton If you’re going from, say, FLL to downtown Miami or any two places close to the shoreline in PBC in makes no sense to go on the turnpike.

[@anneofgreengables1619]

Try CA freeways 🥵

[@oscartobaroatmeal6734]

I've driven the I-95 before and it's terrible!

[@holasoyalejandro9822]

it’s awful

[@holasoyalejandro9822]

@gregory hatton pike is nowhere near as bad

[@mikeflaws2226]

When Lucas said "I've bumped into Geoff", I totally expected Geoff Marshall

[@RS-pb2se]

Same 😅

[@pbdye1607]

"Sadly, this part of Florida isn't that scenic." So...Florida, then. >.>

[@shwt121]

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE TAKEN PLACE 25-30 YEARS AGO.........THANKS TO FLORIDA'S REPUBLICAN POLITICAL IDIOTS ; EVERY TIME THIS WOULD COME UP FOR A VOTE IN TALLAHASSEE, IT WOULD BE VETO'D.......

[@Distress.]

@Apple User 2 He's extremely partisan and volatile so I wouldn't bother.

[@miamiwax5504]

@@johnperic6860 yeah we will keep our everglades and beaches to ourselves thanks.

[@rioquibu]

Thank God for Republicans in Florida not allowing the democrats to destroy it as they’ve done California.

[@oakpkdude]

@@johnperic6860 LOL. South Florida is trashy? You Trump loving hicks couldn't afford to live down here. Stay up there in your trailers.

[@AlbertCalis]

I can't wait until the Brightline service to Orlando opens. As a frequent visitor to that city, it will be a more appealing option to take the train up than have to drive 4 hours from Miami to get there.

[@AlbertCalis]

@@afcgeo882 I've taken buses up to Orlando before. They stop too frequently and actually take longer to get to Orlando than if you drove. It would easily take 5-6 hours by bus, whereas it only takes 4 hours by car.

[@AlbertCalis]

@@afcgeo882 Even with the stops, it would only take 3 hours to get to Orlando by the train. And yes Uber is an option, or in my case I have friends who live in the area. Also most likely the Disney Parks will provide shuttle transportation from the train stop to the parks.

[@djmeowth]

I'm even more excited for the Orlando route to open now that I know I won't have to sit next to George.

[@airplanegod]

Miami to Orlando is only about a 50 minute flight.

[@stukes4764]

George L dude it’s going to be a 125 speed limit once they turn away from the FEC are you dumb

[@allaboutthegyro]

Once leg 2 gets built, this line will gain traffic because of the Disney connection. There is also some murmurs about extending it to Tampa.

[@agonicole]

It's definitely being extended to Tampa

[@justagiraffe2868]

I feel like maybe even an extension to Atlanta could help. Once you get out that far, you’re approaching the max, so I think going to Atlanta is a good idea, but not further

[@seanm660]

I’d be cool if it got extended to Gainesville and Tallahassee too. I feel like a lot of students would definitely ride and it could be profitable.

[@andrewzheng4038]

@@justagiraffe2868 I think a branch going from Orlando to Atlanta via Jacksonville could be actually be perfect. Rail truly shines for distances 200-500 miles where driving is too arduous/inconvenient and flying is still relatively inefficient, and Orlando-Jacksonville-Tampa more or less falls right into this range

[@6thgraderfriends]

Hope it extends to Saint Augustine and up to Jacksonville too.

[@NewcastleFlyer]

This is impeccable by American standards

[@hopr]

TBH, even by European standards. This has to be losing money like a Trump casino.

[@brandonm30]

@@hopr this is a german designed and American built train straight from the seimen factory in sacremento and boy does it look good.

[@rooseveltmartin7103]

Yeah this might be the best train in the USA!🚂

[@jcrazeful]

We need a bullet train from NYC TO MIAMI, and from the east coast to the west coast!!!!! This seems like baby steps

[@annabelholland]

But 1) building the high speed rail network will cost hundreds of billions of dollars and take decades and 2) flying would still be faster than flying a plane

[@kityhawk2000]

@@annabelholland if you factor in check-in time and TSA it would not be that much faster. It would also be a lot cheaper

[@Distress.]

This is never ging to happen. Only a few areas where HSR makes sense, Florida, Northeast, Texas, and California. Density isn't high enough anywhere else.

[@chelleyflowers4245]

Here in Texas we are still trying to get an express train from Dallas to Houston

[@Joesolo13]

@@Distress. That's a whole lot of places it does work. And you're leaving out the Lakes, they could definitely make it work. A lot of rail's already there too.

[@steini6771]

Traveled last September with Brightline (same distance) and found it excellent. My trip was later on the day and alcohol was also included (beer and wine). Fab staff and great prices!

[@RandallCarrierINC]

Worth the extra price just for the lounge access with the complimentary food and drink. Plus even more onboard. Great deal indeed...

[@Curtbin]

We need these all over the country, this is incredible!

[@redditstop1653]

The only thing is that the train is pretty slow. If we have a bullet train like this it will be amazing.

[@bonda_racing3579]

Reddit Stop we should have more private train companies for more competition to drive innovation. One question I have is do you believe the U.S government should build a interstate high speed rails for private companies to operate on or should private companies build their own tracks?

[@redditstop1653]

@@bonda_racing3579 I think private companies can work on the rails but have to follow a set of regulation like how wide the rails are soppuse to be so it can better integrate with other companies or government high speed rails. Oof I type this quick so theres probably Grammer mistakes.

[@blockvfive1196]

@@redditstop1653 it's gonna go 110 - 125 MPH for the areas of orlando, so i guess you could say it's a half normal half high speed train

[@CosbyTheCaterpillar]

They're building something similar to this between Dallas and Houston.

[@1BarnetTE.]

Virgin Trains in UK: *dead* Virgin Trains in US: *here comes the money, money, money, money, money*

[@mrsmucha]

We really need this in the US. A lot more people would travel by train if they were this nice.

[@Ruhrgebietler89]

I guess in the UK they can't just cherry-pick profitable routes without any regulation or competition, thus profit margins in the US are higher?

[@1BarnetTE.]

Virgin Trains please come back to the UK. PLEASE!!

[@Paul_Lucas]

This is utterly wrong - the railways in Britain built in the 1800s were private enterprises! The railways were nationalised along with other infrastructure shortly after WWII, in 1948, as a way of simplifying the system and rescuing companies which were effectively bankrupted after the war. The mass closures in the 1960s under Beeching were done under the *nationalised* system!

[@jcrazeful]

@@mrsmucha I feel we need bullet trains all across the USA. They are so FAST

[@nathanroemer]

Glad you decided to come have a try on Virgin Trains USA. I live in West Palm Beach and use the train whenever I have to go to Miami, as it beats having to drive in South Florida traffic and pay for parking in Miami. I also go on cruise holidays, and it's very easy to take the train to Miami and an Uber to Port Miami for a cruise.

[@Honestware]

They have direct port service that INCLUDES your Lyft to the station, and once you check your baggage when you board the train it is delivered directly to your stateroom. They are also building a station at PortMiami. It should open late this year.

[@nathanroemer]

@@Honestware True, but it's usually significantly cheaper to book the Lyft and train separately. 👍

[@geoman798]

They're adding a station at the port soon to make it even easier

[@baystaterailroading7324]

This is going to revolutionize rail travel in America the bigger it gets and the more cities it serves

[@lawrencewestby9229]

I was very impressed when I took it a few weeks ago. A couple of added points - the stations have parking garages near them, the non 1st class cars are serviced by trollies from which snacks and beverages may be purchased, the railroad offers a package for those taking cruises that includes discounted parking, baggage transfer to the port, and a code to use for Lyft service to the port. They are also looking to extend the rail line to the port of Miami. I just hope they build a station in Martin County where I live.

[@chasingtheclouds]

This is a beautiful train and station! Hope that more states in the US will be open to travelling by train in the future.

[@nightflyer3242]

For those worrying about the train's ridership, just be aware that Paul rode this train during non-peak hours. Also, Brightline's main source of income is the real estate market around their stations. They are making millions from redevelopment and constructing transit-oriented development.

[@TrainsWow]

George L It’s low because it only runs from Miami to West Palm Beach. Once the Orlando extension is done, passenger numbers will increase, and once they get the Tampa and Disney stations open, they will be doing extremely well.

[@sweetwater88]

@@afcgeo882 Once it's hooked up to Disneyland in Orlando it will have a huge market with international tourists.

[@TrainsWow]

George L Well remember, they make most of their money off property development near the stations, with that and the expansions they will be more than fine.

[@sweetwater88]

@@afcgeo882 Tourist would want to visit Miami on their vacation. That's the point. Disney + Miami vacation. Europeans can get over a month of vacation a year.

[@Honestware]

@@afcgeo882 it was NOT sold to Virgin. Virgin made a SMALL investment and they entered into a BRANDING agreement only.

[@XxTeam48LowesXx]

Waited for this video forever. Glad you enjoyed our train :D

[@froztytrainfilms9148]

XxTeam48LowesXx heyo it’s me frost lol

[@TotoDG]

About as long as you were waiting for Jimmie to win another race? But seriously, it’s been too long.

[@kesschristopher]

Great review. Virgin Trains USA has some interest in serving other areas in the Southeast including Atlanta. Hopefully, they'll get service going in the Atlanta to Charlotte corridor and by then, if all goes well with the forthcoming rail upgrades in Virginia, the Southeast will become on par with the Northeast for rail service.

[@cubersanonymous5180]

That would be amazing! Atlanta has really been neglected in terms of trains.

[@j-bird1778]

My jaw literally dropped when I saw the ticket prices.

[@Jsfun]

As I understand, these are essentially introductory prices intended to increase usage. It's received a lot of investment but low ridership, so some of that money is being used to encourage more people to try it out. One day it will likely start to get pricier.

[@justagiraffe2868]

Yeah. $16 to travel in what would be business class on an airline on a train that looks to have great amenities, and already goes highway speeds

[@michaelvelik8779]

@@Jsfun It might get pricier, or just a lot more full, or even more frequent runs. It all depends on how many people are willing to use and pay for the service. I wish the company success in the venture.

[@lowcountryplanespotter2816]

That’s cheap

[@ZazzelTheGamer]

If that's expensive to you, you never rode on an American train line before

[@dylan1845]

I wish more trains in the US were like this! Sadly Americans love their cars and trucks.

[@JoeyGarcia914009]

The train is a vast improvement to our horrible transport system. 😂

[@-----------------------------]

Ah yes let me give up my car just so your wish is fulfilled.

[@dbclass4075]

@@----------------------------- You cam support public transport while keeping your car. Think of the roads decongested as soon most people take public transportation.

[@dylan1845]

Cedric John Llorente exactly. I have a car just in case but I never use it. I take take the bus to the train station and it saves myself some road rage lol 😂

[@dbclass4075]

@@dylan1845 Cars still have their uses. They become cost competitive when it can be occupied to its capacity.

[@Ghoatt]

I do believe they are trying to extend to Tampa with a stop at the Disney World Resort, which helps people get from MCO (Orlando International) to the resort.

[@Cooltaha]

@gregory hatton well they just use the car/taxi/ride-hailing. Buses also service MCO but it takes a while to get anywhere with buses.

[@oscartobaroatmeal6734]

Seeing an Opportunity that brightline can go directly to Disney from Orlando's airport is beneficial, once that happens this service will be have more ride than ever before.

[@jbar_85]

They’re going to be connecting to Orlando by 2021! We enjoy having Brightline! It’s a nice upgrade compared to the public one. It’s so smooth and they offer booze before and onboard. Glad you enjoyed it! I haven’t seen the WPB lounge before.

[@jordanrowland6269]

I really don’t see this lasting if the trains are as empty as that.

[@Ronsmytheiii]

That will change once it gets to Orlando/Disney.

[@gladysrodriguez5498]

Jordan Rowland BECAUSE IS NEW.

[@robertooppedisano5619]

Bring it to NY at high speeds

[@alleyoop2017]

Darionprod there already is a public train from west palm to Miami international airport. The trip is ridiculously long because there are too many stops.

[@deprogramm]

this is why the US never invests in trains. No one uses them.

[@glenmorris8389]

Thank you, Paul, for all your videos and inviting us all along for the adventure. Looking forward to 2020.

[@OrganNLou]

WOW this is impressive FLORIDA NEEDS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS !!

[@natzzzy9119]

Yet they have a bunch of boomers saying the trains are "Dangerous" yet people jumping the tracks is not their fault

[@connectingwings7212]

@@natzzzy9119 Ikr, for example - how many car crashes happen every year - compare that to trains and they are like thousands of times safer than cars

[@arsvi123]

​@@connectingwings7212 Well the issue is two fold, first: South Florida drivers can't drive and many ignore the clearly labeled sign about not stopping on tracks. This is amplified by the fact that a significant portion of the rail line runs right next to either US1 or Dixie Hwy both of which are very busy roads, and the traffic lights for intersecting roads are in most cases right behind the railway. So while yes people are idiots for standing on the tracks, the road design and the many road crossings at intersections really dont help.

[@floridanature365]

@@Bonzi_Buddy baby boomers were also the ones who thought all fat was bad and sugar was good for you leading the the high obesity rates in the us right now. Get your facts straight dude.

[@connectingwings7212]

@@arsvi123 We in Germany removed (or just didn't built) every railroad crossing on high speed tracks and are in the process of removing all the other railroad crossings out there - they are by far the most dangerous thing of rail travel. They also may cause congestion and stuff, so a bridge or underpass is better. However I know the issue of bad driving and road design - welcome to Landshut, Bavaria..

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I’m hoping a Disney stop is built, it will be another way to get to Disney World from MCO

[@budyeddi5814]

It would be nice if they kept going from Orlando up into Alabama and Georgia. I routinely have to travel for work but I hate driving. A Birmingham to Atlanta route would boom 👍

[@msj9097]

It really would. Fingers crossed!

[@cyoohoos]

Bud Yeddi They’ve been trying to build mass transit between South GA and ATL for D.E.C.A.D.E.S. I doubt they ever see it from FL to there

[@budyeddi5814]

One can hope 😒

[@andysorensen1737]

There’s also rumors Brightline will have service to Disney World off the Orlando Airport line which’ll be a game changer.

[@froztytrainfilms9148]

Andy Sorensen I think they’re planning to add a station there as well

[@ala0284]

Disneyland paris already has a similar thing, with high speed eurostar services to london in 2h. Brilliant idea

[@davidpascoe5842]

They have plans to take this to Disney as an agreement was reached with universal awhile ago. This is has been reported in the travel press

[@stefandee1970]

Florida is still normal state compared to cali and their high speed rail project

[@SouthWye]

Stefan Milisic- Well, Cali’s high speed project has stopped. Bright line (formerly All Aboard Florida) is going up to Disney, then over to Orlando, then over to Lakeland, and Tampa, FL.

[@davidpascoe5842]

@@SouthWye they are also considering running a line up to Las Vegas from FL

[@SouthWye]

David Pascoe- that’s going to be a separate line, not connecting

[@davidpascoe5842]

@@SouthWye well yeah couldn't run on the same line. Virgin are hoping to make a financial gain

[@alexsbikesandmotors]

I'm eager for them to extend the line to orlando where I live. I drive to my parents' house near west palm at least once a month. It would be so cool to take the train instead.

[@ecclestonsangel]

Wow, I'm impressed! I'd like to see this take off and become nationwide. Amtrak could use the competition! Thank you, Richard Branson!

[@its_not_it_apostrophe_s]

Wouldn't that be great?

[@ecclestonsangel]

@@its_not_it_apostrophe_s oh, heck, yeah! If Branson is running it, you just know it's gonna be top notch!

[@stefandee1970]

Amtrak is necessery evil....

[@ecclestonsangel]

@gregory hatton show me where in my comments I said he did.

[@captaincanoemary]

I will have to listen to every Damn train that goes by. I suffer from migraines. My community voted against the train.

[@georgeb777]

South Florida native who LOVES BRIGHTLINE!

[@Jimbodisfan]

No one can be disappointed with a Paul Lucas video. This appears to be a boon for south Floridians.

[@crusinscamp]

Thanks for the video. As an old railfan, it's good to see such progress here in the US. It would be nice to see such efforts in more places in our country. I hope their ridership increases. More people should appreciate how relaxing a good train ride is.

[@Honestware]

Very nice video! As one who has supported this project since its inception, I'd like to add a little background. Unfenced railroads are the norm in the US - it's a result of the difference in national growth. In the Europe, the population existed before the trains came along. In the US, the population grew and expanded in almost the entire country BECAUSE of the railroads. When they were built, there was no population and no reason to fence. As the population grew, it became the norm to not have fences. For reference, when the Florida East Coast Railway (the tracks Brightline runs on) reached West Palm Beach from the north in 1894, the entire population in the region from West Palm through Miami was approximately 200 people. The railroad wouldn't get to Miami until 1898. Many people are screaming that they should be fenced, and in many areas along the FEC right of way, it's been attempted. Unfortunately people are stronger than fences - they go over, under, or through them, or they just knock them over. I also appreciate you featuring the commemorative bricks -- yes the Florida East Coast Railway Society and others joined Brightline's Founder's Club, and the paving stones are one of the things we got in return. Your train had two locomotives -- not just one. They keep a loco on each end for multiple reasons: Redundancy in power, smoother operation, faster acceleration, and safety. Train speeds in the West Palm to Miami corridor will not be increased beyond 79mph. The section NORTH of West Palm up to Cocoa Florida will have a maximum speed of 110 mph, and the new east/west section from Cocoa to Orlando will be 125mph. I would also disagree that checked baggage will increase station dwell times -- rather it decreases them. It is MUCH faster for a single baggage attendant to unload a wheeled cart with luggage than for individual travelers to move their own bags. If you timed the stop in Ft Lauderdale, you would know the station dwell time is designed to be 90 seconds, and that holds to true to practice. Also, by the number of passengers it's clear you were traveling at an off-peak time. At peak times the trains are running at 90%+ capacity with many being sold out. As of today, 1/1/2020 they have again expanded their number of daily trains to 17 round trips. Jim President Florida East Coast Railway Society www.fecrs.com

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thanks for the comment (and email) Jim - always great to hear from rail advocates in the US. You guys have a much tougher job than we do in Europe. Great to hear of your support for the project!

[@Honestware]

@@Paul_Lucas thanks! Good to hear from you, and please let me know if you're ever back in this area. I'd be happy to assist you where needed.

[@MegaZeldafan1]

I've been on this train from Miami to West Palm Beach to get to Wellington, Florida on Select Class. During my final year at FAU I took it between Fort Lauderdale to Miami for the Metrorail

[@goodi2shooz]

Thanks for the review! I was wondering how this was going. Here in California, we are looking forward to the upcoming Brightline service between Southern California and Las Vegas.

[@npflaum]

What!?! I had no idea this was happening. Thanks for the heads up.

[@micheleoftheoaks5506]

That train will start in Victorville. If you live south or west of there you might was well just drive to Vegas because it's a long drive to Victorville and you'd just have to leave your car at the train station. It would be better if they took the train all the way through Ventura. At least that way it would make sense to take the train rather then drive.

[@npflaum]

@@micheleoftheoaks5506 I don't drive, so my only options are bus, train, or flight. Amtrak doesn't go to Victorville, but I might make my way out there just to try the high speed train

[@its_not_it_apostrophe_s]

When is the projected completion date?

[@danielcarroll3358]

@@its_not_it_apostrophe_s It's complicated. Victorville is the end of the first construction. They hope to then extend to Palmdale. There you can connect to the LA commuter trains. Not fast, but it will get you to LA Union Station. Eventually it will either connect with California High Speed Rail or continue to LA or beyond on the CAHSR tracks. The Brightline service in California and Nevada will be electrified, unlike the Florida service. This is going to take a while, but the first section may be running in as few as four years. The whole system is a decade or two out. CAHSR itself is going to take quite a while as there is not only opposition from some land owners, but from the present federal administration. Remember, this is California and he will do anything he can to hurt the state.

[@franciscojcsa6127]

This is one of the only places in the entirety of the United States where this sort of thing could be developed by the private sector.

[@MalarkeyMan]

@Ginger California would be a pain in the ass to do this in

[@MalarkeyMan]

Not really. You could get this done in Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and others

[@bonda_racing3579]

MalarkeyMan California has a crazy amount of building regulations that it would cost a crazy amount to even build let alone run. Arizona and the rest of South or Midwest could run projects like these and lead to cars and more efficiently movement.

[@ThomasBinkley]

WOW! I've been waiting for a legit video about Brightline for a while now. Thanks for covering as much as you did in this.

[@Mike-vs3dv]

Damn; i know it's gonna be good when it's from Paul Lucas.

[@Paul_Lucas]

M i k e 🥳

[@Cerby1979]

Been on these trains a few times. Pretty good wi-fi, good seats, majority of the trips are on time.

[@jonathanvandijk1818]

Officially watching this in 2020. Happy new year to you Paul and everyone else.

[@average_joe8905]

Great video, Paul and Happy New Year to you! Brightline is on my list to try at some point since it is the only private intercity train service in the U.S. I'm surprised to see the fares are so cheap!

[@derekjtaylor]

I can’t wait for this to get to Orlando! My wife and I will be taking more trips south with this service. Another great video, Paul. Happy New Year!

[@theweeklynewsexplosion5358]

I really wish they had bright line in California instead of the corrupt hsr authority. It’s been 13 years and still no train and tens of billions of dollars down the toilet.

[@patrickstonetree1]

"It's a cultural thing...", you know, there is only one way to get hit by a train. Just don't stand in the one place a train might be. It is easy to tell because the train can only be on tracks.

[@lewilewis3944]

About 16 people die every week in the US from being hit by trains, one third are suspected suicides, so you could say 11 morons are killed by their culture every week. People are stupid, fact.

[@MarianKeller]

You will need to cross tracks, and that's when you're going to be potentially run over by the train if there are no safety measures. Civilized countries usually don't accept preventable accidents.

[@Monaleenian]

@@MarianKeller Yes they do, all the time in fact. Virtually every death that isn't caused by old age is preventable, yet people die for reasons other than old age all the time. Also, risk can often not be eliminated, only reduced, and a decision has to be made about whether or not it's prudent to invest for eg. 1,000,000 dollars in changing a 1/100,000 risk to a 1/1,000,000 risk. Human life, unfortunately, has a price, the sooner people accept that the better.

[@MarianKeller]

@@MonaleenianThen why can most railway companies in western countries afford to build proper crossings? Human life only has a price where the government has failed to do its job to impose proper regulations, as the translation between the intrinsic value of one human and money is always done at a regulatory level. Also, all the individually very small probabilities of some bad accident eventually happening add up over time, so you literally rely upon the majority of safety-critical businesses to put a price as high as possible on your life.

[@Monaleenian]

​@@MarianKeller A large part of the reason that most railway companies in the western world can now afford to build proper crossings is because they use economic systems that allow for the wealth to be developed. When countries, and the people in them, become wealthier, they can afford to spend money on measures that reduce the risk of accidents as those measures become less expensive in real terms. This is largely due to the existence of more and better machines. Not sure what you mean by "the translation between the intrinsic value of one human and money". Yes, life, for all life forms, comes with risks. We continuously mitigate those risks as the resources to do so become available.

[@monica012077]

Great video! I rode it a couple of years ago for my birthday(Jan 20). Was only from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach then.

[@trock7542]

I live in FL and LOVE everything about the train. I agree with the man you interviewed. Huge fan of private trains. Really hope they get it running to Orlando that would be huge.

[@steves2694]

Your comment that Brightline's main competition is the car, is somewhat off base, as there is also TriRail commuter train service in the same corridor Brightline currently serves. Yes, cars dominate ground transit, but that's not unique to South Florida.

[@Paul_Lucas]

No, not mistaken at all - cars are the primary competitor for Brightline, as they are for most railways over 0-300 miles in any developed country. The entire business model is aimed at getting people out of their cars onto trains.

[@esmeraldagreen1992]

@@afcgeo882 You are correct a rail system needs to be connected to a public transportation system. In Europe you can literally get out of your house, walk 500 yards, hop on a bus or a metro train, go pretty much anywhere in town,or go to the train station, and hop on a train to another city. The draw back of public transportation is that there are places that are not served and that services often terminate at 11 pm or earlier, so if you want to stay out late, or you work late, public transportation does not cut it and you have to use a car.

[@trotamundo76]

@Wingin’ It! Paul Lucas But you dont mention there is another railway competitor, Tri-rail , which is more than 50% cheaper.

[@Paul_Lucas]

But that isn’t Brightline’s main competition. It exists, yes, but as others have pointed out, the main competition is the car. People prefer to stay in their cars and won’t park at the station or take public transit to the station.

[@trotamundo76]

Wingin’ It! Paul Lucas Most ppl drive their cars but for train users no doubt who’s the leader, Tri-rail has a 30,000 daily ridership (of course it’s got more stops and routes) and Brightline merely 1500.

[@GintaPPE1000]

What a way to end the decade with the first review of Brightline I've ever seen by a mainstream reviewer. Nicely done Paul, congrats on how far you've come, and here's to another great decade ahead for you! As for the lack of fencing, it's a money thing. In the US, most companies and the government assume that pedestrians aren't stupid enough to walk on railway tracks, but Brightline had 3 incidents in the first week alone, so clearly not. Either way, we don't see any need to protect them here, and frankly, we shouldn't have to.

[@Eructation1]

UK standard trains in America and I would love to tour all around your great country by train.

[@EmilC2012]

Loved the video Paul and I'm glad you could enjoy such a wonderful product as well! I've unfortunately only been able to ride two round-trips with Brightline but am undoubtedly excited for what's to come this year and next!

[@ArmyNavyAcademy]

I just moved to Orlando, hopefully they extend it here so I can visit down south.

[@arrowlogproductions2509]

Alexander phase 2 to Orlando is already under construction

[@allmightygriff]

@@arrowlogproductions2509 any idea when is it supposed to be completed?

[@Honestware]

@@allmightygriff it should be late 2022. The station already exists at the Orlando Airport, and the right of way is being cleared along the Beachline expressway currently.

[@southernstyle8835]

There’s nothing exciting down here so don’t get too excited there. Orlando is much nicer

[@pdb2k154]

@@southernstyle8835 Orlando has no beaches

[@unitedok1]

Loving the train content mate 👍

[@RoadCone411]

Glad you liked the Brightline! I took it just the day before the section from Ft Lauderdale to Miami opened...such an improvement over the very pedestrian Tri-Rail a few miles west. HNY to you, Paul! It's probably 2020 already where you are, but we still have more than 3 hours left on the east coast of the US!

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Paul’s been “trainin it” lately love the vids and when you visit the States! Happy New Year!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Can’t wait to see Paul, have a happy and safe New Year! Cheers from Australia!

[@sleepyghostproductions7529]

Forget Disney, I just want a trip on one of these!!!

[@richardturner6981]

Me too!

[@metropod]

If both companies and the state can work out an agreement, Walt Disney World will be getting a station on the phase 3 Tampa extension.

[@walterclements7968]

When you showed the waiting room i immediately thought these tickets would be expensive. They actually are really reasonably priced, "select" class too! Great vid👍

[@RobertKrebill]

Great video! So cool to see that the Brightline’s restrooms have Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryers!

[@charlescummings2205]

I wish they had this where I live. Floridians need to take advantage of it before it's not there anymore.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Looks like a great product. I hope the locals start making use of it. 🤞🏽

[@glenstephenson6787]

Love this train! Looking forward to when the Orlando expansion has been completed. Thank you for the video!

[@topfuel29channel]

The train interior has a very clean look. I like that.

[@RegionPrepper]

Looking forward to the expansion to Orlando, I'll be sure to ride it when that leg is completed.

[@james7149]

Great comprehensive review, I believe they’ve had issues and fatalities with people/vehicles crossing the tracks and despite the cost you’d think security fencing would have been factored in when the train was first introduced. Still, it’s always great to see new effective forms of public transport, especially when it could result in less cars on our roads.

[@SteamboatWilley]

Yeah, it sounds like Brightline is using existing, typically American unfenced railway with lots of level crossings for this part of the route. When they start building the high speed section to Orlando, I imagine it will have to be grade-separated and fenced off.

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

Great video. ☺️ The train in the thumb nail looks like the old class 460 trains that use to run on the Gatwick Express over here in the UK. ☺️

[@sme8499]

Happy New Year Paul, thank you for all the content this year. Here's to more next year!

[@madhavsomaiya3572]

3:06 The camera zoomed in like it was some meme

[@elliottslab]

Checking in bags seems like it’s making hard work of it all

[@EagleOne76]

It's a mistake. There's plenty of unused space over the seats, especially with very few passengers currently using the system.

[@brett6388]

The brightline is amazing! I got so excited when i saw this video

[@circesgrandmainomaha580]

You make me look up more railways/transportation from watching this channel! This is a good thing--you're exploring and traveling in areas that peak my interest and make me want to know more about them. Keep up the great work!

[@paulsuprono7225]

Yupp . . . I thought so ! European quality . . . evolving USA standards. I call it WIN/WIN ! 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349]

soon all of america will hopefully have service like this. then we can finally move past the damn cars

[@bonda_racing3579]

Itz ben I still like cars but the average person would be better off using trains to get their jobs or homes at low prices by the private sector. Cars Are still needed to get to specific locations but for everyday travel trains are the future!

[@rowdeo8968]

I am so glad to see new trains popping up in the USA

[@msj9097]

We need more desperately!

[@johnmor3541]

By the end of 2020 three train projects like Brightline will be under construction (Orlando Extension, Texas Railway,Las Vegas to Victorville )

[@rowdeo8968]

We need to get rid of the mentality of car ownership and we need more public transportation

[@msj9097]

@@rowdeo8968 with the price of cars and gas I couldn't agree more. I'm sick of it!

[@shaikajazali6515]

very neat and clean station with spacious lounge facility and the train is superb with more leg space and very beautiful inside.

[@MM-ey5ou]

Very nicely done and informative video. And I like your touch on the providing details...like the improv ramp off the train for wheelchair/luggage roll access.... Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!

[@katerobinson3516]

I love this train I am your biggest fan paul

[@tbucknor]

This is great! I hope the plan is to extend beyond Orlando into northern Florida. The drive from my home to Miami is over six hours, and the traffic once you hit Ft. Lauderdale is reminiscent of New York! Well done, Brightline and thank you, Mr. Lucas!

[@daveybare]

Thank you so much Paul for posting this video. I happen upon it by accident and am glad I did. I'm a train enthusiast myself but due to health reasons I haven't been able to travel. I wish we had more Brightlines in the US. We are so far behind in rail travel in the US. I have family in Chicago and I'd love to take the train there (I'm in San Diego) but it's so cost prohibitive. Guess I'll just have to love vicariously through you for now. Happy New Year and I wish you well on your travels.

[@edwardgeorge4881]

Beautiful train! 💐It's good to offer the public something they can be proud of. There's nothing like sitting back and relaxing on your way to a destination; more nice trains please!🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@MajinOthinus]

So....a train, but with the train station swapped out for a pseudo airport.

[@highground7923]

And better seats than most trains plus cheap prices for what you get

[@MajinOthinus]

@@highground7923 It really isn't cheap though, at least not for the rest of the world. Their first class price is about comparable to european first class prices (though there are more trains, meaning more convenient timing in Europe), but their second class price is about 4 times as expensive.

[@milomhoek]

it's so weird that you have to check in the luggage! So much for efficiency

[@arlenesolis024]

That’s a brilliant idea the extended line to Orlando. I would travel that way

[@arrowlogproductions2509]

Arlene Solis it’s currently under construction

[@twobins2060]

Another impressive train video showcasing a service i knew nothing about. Those carriages look great. Cant believe how few passengers there were.

[@ThexDynastxQueen]

Also thanks for all the videos, been binging them as I love seeing how various levels of transit is handled in the real world around the country and elsewhere.

[@cameronschindler25]

My Dad actually supplies the safety equipment at the crossings from West Palm all the way to the end,

[@cameronschindler25]

Specifically, the curb with stick up things (bollards) that prevent cars from going around the gates. It is proven to reduce crashes by up to 90%. Its important to him and me! Thanks for the heartwarming comment!

[@bitrunner2000]

i live in orlando - i'll definitely be taking this train down to miami once the final leg is completed - then we need a high speed rail to downtown tampa and one up to atlanta.

[@giannizampolli]

Very nice video and information! Thanks so much Paul, and happy new year 2020!

[@1533ramsay]

This is amazing to me. I was born (62) in raised in south FL. When I was a kid Federal Hwy was the only means to drive from Miami to Palm Beach...No there was NO 95. However, we did have the Turn Pike. From the coast out to the Turn Pike was like driving out to no where. It was a very desolate drive.

[@logicreversed18t]

I truly hope this is the beginning of something good here in the states. This year I had my first and VERY enlightening encounter with the European train network, and I was so very impressed. I really hope the Disney plans work out, as I think that will really make it obvious how useful and profitable a functional train network can be.

[@Nokkiwow]

I'd love if they'd extend it to northern Florida too! That looks like such a great way to get around!!

[@dianeschroeder3980]

What a great train and great prices! Thanks for a great review Paul and happy new year!❤️👍🎉