Brightline Named '2017 Business of the Year'

Dennis Grady (President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches), left, and Dave Howard (CEO of Brightline)
Credit: Brightline

(Press Release)_Brightline, the only privately-funded express intercity passenger rail system in the country, has been named “2017 Business of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches. The innovative transportation company received the prestigious honor at the 2017 Business Awards Breakfast held this morning at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. West Palm Beach is home to the Brightline train station and its railroad operations center, Workshop b. 

“Brightline is quickly becoming part of the fabric of the Palm Beaches’ community.  We look forward to bringing guests to local businesses with our express train service beginning this summer,” said Brightline CEO David Howard. “It is an honor to be recognized with this award from the business community and I thank the Chamber for their enthusiastic support of Brightline.”    

“Brightline has already brought tremendous benefit to Palm Beach County,” said Dennis Grady, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. “As the city continues attracting new businesses and residents, a reliable and convenient alternative transportation system connecting us to the major destinations is critical for our continued success.”

The downtown West Palm Beach station is located at 260 S. Quadrille Plaza in West Palm Beach. Welcoming guests to downtown West Palm Beach from Fort Lauderdale and Miami later this summer, the station spans 60,000 square feet and will include a parking garage, retail space and residential units. Guests will have access to ride-sharing/taxi options, rental cars and shuttle services, as well as the ability to connect to the Palm Tran, Tri-Rail and downtown trolley system.

The station is within walking distance to the government administration offices, Clematis Street District, CityPlace, Centennial Park and Waterfront. Brightline’s Workshop b, a 12-acre railroad operations facility that serves to repair, maintain, clean and store its trains, is also located in West Palm Beach, about a mile from the station. Once Brightline service begins, this facility will serve as the on-duty location for Brightline’s train crews.

Introductory express service will begin between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale in late July, followed by service to Miami in late August. The company is anticipating a grand opening and official launch of the train service in September.

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