Brightline talks Tampa expansion with community leaders
TAMPA, Fla. - Would you get on a high-speed train ride to Orlando or Miami? The option could arrive in the Bay Area in the future.
On Monday, Brightline welcomed Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, members of the Tampa Bay Partnership and Tampa and Hillsborough County elected officials and business leaders onboard to experience the new connection from South Florida to Orlando and explore future options for the Tampa extension.
"To look at the job creation, look at bringing businesses here. It's just incredible what Brightline has done for South and Central Florida. And we can't wait to get it in the Tampa Bay area," Castor said.
The day-long event traversing three Brightline stations began at MiamiCentral, followed by a ride to West Palm Beach and a tour of the Brightline station, which was similar in scope to a future Tampa station. The group then departed for Central Florida.
"The connection from here to South Florida really was that first piece of then extending it to Tampa to make that seamless connection so that way the people that live here, but the people also that visit here have numerous opportunities to make that connection," Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin Thibault said.
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Back in September, when the 235 Orlando-Miami route was launched, FOX 13 asked Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen what he’s heard when it comes to location.
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"My understanding is that the next phase of their expansion will be to Tampa, to the area close to our Union Station, which is basically between Ybor City and the port district and downtown," Cohen said.
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Cohen also said that the surging popularity of Tampa International Airport and the recent announcement of the huge new Rays stadium in St. Pete could also be major factors in helping pinpoint a location for this Brightline expansion.
"I can't imagine with the group that we had today that there are any reservations at all about the value of Brightline coming into our area. But if there is even any type of doubt, it will be erased on that bus ride back to Tampa on I-4," Castor said.