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Published on January 13, 2025
Brightline Revives Discounted Commuter Pass in South Florida With A Boost From $33.8M Federal GrantSource: Wikipedia/BBT609, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brightline has announced the return of its reduced-price commuter pass, with support from federal funding, to better serve South Florida commuters. This move follows the discontinuation of the discounted passes in June 2024 due to challenges in meeting increased demand during peak train times, according to the Miami New Times.

As The Business Journals mentioned in a report, the reintroduction is made possible by a $33.8 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, which will help expand service capacity by adding two more coaches to each train, allowing for a new commuter system that will launch in March.

Patrick Goddard, Brightline’s President, stated, "The funding allows us to expedite new passenger cars into service and with that capacity, increased avalibility for the South Florida traveler," as reported by Miami New Times.

Details about the pricing for the new commuter passes have not yet been revealed, but a subsidized rate is expected. Previously, the SoFlo Solo pass offered 40 rides over 30 days for $399, while the Fixed Rate 10-Ride Pack was priced at $350 for standard seats and $550 for premium seats. Brightline plans to bridge the service gap as an interim solution before full commuter lines are established across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

In November, Brightline saw a 67 percent increase in long-distance ridership and a 22 percent rise in total revenue, based on its financial statements. The company’s efforts to expand commuter services are supported by local governments, with the Martin County Board of County Commissioners voting to contribute up to $15 million for a new Brightline station in Stuart.

Miami-Transportation & Infrastructure