Stylish and Innovative, Brightline Ready to Redefine Train Travel
By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
WEST PALM BEACH _ We got our first look at a complete Brightline trainset on Jan. 11, and we loved what we saw. Representatives from Brightline, the privately-funded passenger train service, and Siemens, builder of the train, based in California, were on hand to lead tours and talk about the innovations and features on this state-of-the-art train.
Take a look ...
North Palm Beach Life
WEST PALM BEACH _ We got our first look at a complete Brightline trainset on Jan. 11, and we loved what we saw. Representatives from Brightline, the privately-funded passenger train service, and Siemens, builder of the train, based in California, were on hand to lead tours and talk about the innovations and features on this state-of-the-art train.
Take a look ...
Safety First!
We each get a hard hat, safety vest and safety glasses before we enter the maintenance and storage areas of Workshop B. 
Pit Crew
You have to go UNDER the train to see where the maintenance action is. Pit crews will inspect, refit and service the five Brightline trainsets in these pits. 
Control Central
This is where engineer Patrick Mawhinney does his thing, assisted by the latest in electronic monitoring equipment. Watch it - that lever blows the whistle! 
Chief Engineer Patrick Mawhinney
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Tons of Sand!
Our tour guide showed us dozens of sacks of sand. Why sand? They use the sand to duplicate the weight a fully loaded passenger train during trial runs. When the tests are over, we guess it's back to the beach. 
All the technology that keeps
the train running is amazing. 
Mike Reininger, president of Brightline, stops by the tour
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4,000 Horses
BrightBlue's mighty 16-cylinder engine produces 4,000 horsepower, which can power speeds up to 125 MPH. Depending on track conditions, that's a one hour-ride from West Palm to Miami. |
Our guide explains the engine room
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Inside one of the spacious passenger cars, with its wide, plush seats and extra storage.
Check out more in the videos below:
Check out more in the videos below:
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Power to the People
You can stay connected on your trip with plentiful power outlets and USB ports, coupled with WiFi throughout. |
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GPS-powered signage keeps you informed
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Hi-Tech Bathrooms
The bathrooms on BrightBlue are virtually "touchless." See the video below: 
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Passengers cars feature a microwave snack station and a selection of color-coded meals, right
Service is scheduled to begin in mid-2017
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Julie Edwards, Brightline chief marketing officer, said the brightly colored trains are part of their commitment to taking the gray out of train travel.
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