Brightline delays launch of 3-hour train from Orlando to Miami; refunds customers

The company that will connect Orlando to Miami with a new, high-speed train has delayed its September 1 launch and will issue refunds to customers.

On Monday, Brightline announced that it needed to delay its opening after falling short on its testing schedule.

“We’re working through the final stages of certification and crew testing, but it’s apparent that we won’t hit our opening weekend as planned,” reads a statement from the company.

Originally, the company planned to open between September 1 and September 6.

“Knowing its a holiday weekend, we want to give guests as much time as possible to adjust their travel plans,” reads the post.

The company says that it has already started refunding tickets and that it will provide a “premium credit” to passengers whose rides have been canceled.

“We hope they will rebook and enjoy the inaugural Brightline experience. We look forward to announcing an official date as soon as possible,” says the company.

Construction of the 170-mile railway was completed in late June.

When it begins taking rides, the new service will operate as early as 5 a.m. from Orlando to Miami, with tickets starting at $79 per passenger, each way. Tickets for children start at $39 per passenger, each way. Groups of four or more passengers will save an additional 25 percent on fares.

Daily service will feature 16 round trips with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando. Regular service from Orlando to Miami will stop at all Brightline stations, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.

Earlier this year, the company announced that all Brightline passengers will have access to free WiFi provided by Starlink, a satellite-based internet service managed by SpaceX.

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