Brightline expands to Boca Raton and beyond

The Boca Raton station is planned to open in the fall.

Photo courtesy of Brightline

Brightline broke ground early this year on its Boca Raton station, adding to a rail system that connects Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and is due to reach Orlando by year’s end.

The Boca station, a 4½- story building with a 455-space garage, is across from Mizner Park and alongside the Downtown Library.

Ground breaking ceremony at the Bightline Boca station. From left to right: Boca Raton City Council Members Drucker, Thomson, Mayotte, O’Rourke, Mayor Scott Singer, Brightline President Patrick Goddard, Congressman Ted Deutch, Jorge Pesquera of Discovery the Palm Beaches and Michael Kaufman of Kaufman Lynn Construction.

The Federal Railroad Administration provided the expansion a $16.3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grant last year, and the city of Boca Raton contributed $9.9 million toward the building of the parking garage. Brightline is paying the balance of approximately $30 million for the project.

Brightline says the Boca Raton station is helping create over 500 jobs with $23 million in wages during the construction period.

By easing travel to and from Boca throughout South Florida, Brightline will offer employers a larger employee pool and connect Boca-area residents to a wider area of job opportunities.

“As a premier business and leisure destination, Boca Raton is a perfect fit for Brightline and will be an integral part of our network that will further connect the state of Florida,” said Patrick Goddard, the president of Brightline.

Designed by Zygovisch Architects, the Boca station will feature 38,000 square feet and include Brightline’s signature autonomous MRKT, premium lounges and charging stations.

Set to open in the fall of this year, the station has a white-and-yellow interior with free Wi-Fi and touchless turnstiles. Food and drink are available in the station or on the train.

Brightline sells two classes of tickets: Smart and Premium. A Smart ticket provides access to a lounge, Wi-Fi and the touchless MRKT, along with the option to buy an assortment of refreshments. A Premium ticket adds access to a first-class lounge at the station, free beverages and snacks, a pre-boarding experience and increased onboard space.

For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com.