Crazy how most trains in the world operate fine without headcounts.

Still jealous that you got the train without the window dots. I cant believe my whole train had a wrap on every single window.

The airportificaiton of passenger trains is a huge mistake.

By international standards maybe this isn't as exciting, but I am incredibly jealous that FLORIDA of all places gets a sick new train...

There's something endearing about seeing a train full of nerds geeking out about public transit 😂 🤣👍🏻 we don't have enough people who appreciate stuff like you do nowadays bro! ❤️

Brightline out here competing with Via Rail to make rail travel as painful as air travel for no good reason. Manual headcounts, security, nit-picky rules, isle-cart instead of café car, excessive assigned seats for every class car, etc. Edit: Brightline has no current plans for a café car.

This is quality Miles content: well shot, cohesive, and *focused* on the fine details. Although this video is actually kinda like Brightline itself! I'd love to ride it one day.

So at the time this was recorded, MCO uses two different types of rolling stock for their People Mover system. Airsides 2 and 4 uses Bombardier CX-100s (or now the Innovia APM 100; also used on Miami's Metromover) while Airsides 1, 3, and the Intermodal Terminal uses Mitsubishi Crystal Movers, which is what you ended up riding. Crystal Movers are the ones used by the Macau LRT, Singapore's Punggol and Sengkang LRT, Dulles's AeroTrain, and MIA Mover and Skytrain. The voice heard is Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer. And to be fair to that sign pointing you to the train station at the airport, it's probably futureproofed to include downtown Orlando and the theme parks when that expansion opens, and of course SunRail. While Brightline definitely isn't perfect, it's still a fast and frequent intercity service and that's the point! I'm a big believer of "If you build it, they will come". I support all the big projects like this, California HSR, Brightline West, and Amtrak expansion. The more transit options that people have in the US whether it's Brightline, regional rail, or Amtrak, the better! And Orlando/Central FL and South Florida are employment centers of the state for different reasons, so demand for this is there. And as a real estate company, they're building housing by stations to address housing demands in South FL. Not to mention this will attract cruise goers as well as a way to get to the different cruise terminals.

"Shawty's like a melody in my head" More like transit's like a melody in your case! And the wooden Brightline toy train...people of culture know the Munipals NYC Subway, SEPTA, CTA, and NJ Transit wooden trains are where it's at! I know people don't like the airport-style security but considering this is Florida Man territory...it's understandable. MiamiCentral is such a solid location because on top of Brightline and Tri-Rail, you can also connect to Metrorail and the free Metromover! That weird intersection you saw by Stuart is Confusion Corner, called such because on top of the trains, eight different streets come together there! From 1893 to 1895, Stuart was called Potsdam. This name was chosen by Otto Stypmann, originally from Potsdam, Germany. It was renamed Stuart in 1895, in honor of landowner Homer Hine (Jack) Stuart Jr, who owned 160 acres around the railway station. Miami was named after the Miami River, which in turn is derived from Mayaimi, the historic name of Lake Okeechobee and the Native Americans who lived around it. Mayaimi meaning "big water". Miami is noted as the only major city in the United States founded by a woman. Julia Tuttle, a local citrus grower and a wealthy Cleveland native, was the original owner of the land upon which the city was built

Oh hey, I'm in the background of one of your shots! I awkwardly said hi to you at the Orlando station opening 😅

As I understand it, the usefulness of the airport location is really supposed to improve once SunRail also extends to the airport, and then they have proposed stops in the vicinity of Disney with Brightline and the convention center (which should cover Epic Universe / international drive visitors as well), which in turn would benefit Brightline customers getting there too, and with existing stops should allow for Brightline customers to connect to Amtrak. SunRail seems kind of useless for tourists right now but this should make it much better, so long as they start operating on weekends as well.

The reason it's labeled as train station and brightline separately is because it's technically called "the Intermodal Terminal" but average people would have no idea what that means and Brightline is the only one using it right now. There's a platform already built for SunRail there but they still have to fix the signals on the 1.5 mile gap to the SunRail main line. It's also set up for bus (coach) service.

Nice review of Brightline. I loved that you went to the 11th St Diner. I used to go there a lot when I lived in Miami Beach in the late 90s. Brings back good memories.

I went to Orlando by Brightline on the last week of winter break for New Year’s Eve Weekend, which was part 2 of my 23rd birthday surprise

Loving the modern look of the Brightline stations and I’m looking forward to seeing the network grow! (PS: save me a sandwich haha)

Was waiting for this to drop!

I don't think I've ever seen a train with a headcount before--so odd. I'm a flight attendant who went from a US airline to a Canadian one and we now have to do headcounts. It's a huge pain, but I normally just count the empty seats since the plane I work has 132 seats. 🤷‍♀Passengers also can't switch seats on my airline, which is weird. So this feels like a combination of Canadian airlines and VIA rail with the cart service. 😂 I'm excited that there's an easier way from FLL to MCO now though!

This is a really fair and honest review! Love it! I think you made a really great point about Brightline not really treating passengers as adults: security check, lounge access caveats (compared to Amtrak), food carts, HEAD COUNTS, even the pestering nature of the Uber reminders. These feel like airline-style “innovations” that detract from the freedom and choice that Amtrak provides. Not having arrival station lounge access seems like a real downside for catching a connecting flight (although I guess it’s a capacity constraint?). Also, I find it sort of ironic that the “free market private train” company treats passengers more like children, whereas the “big government etc” railroad treats passengers like adults.

Best review yet

Nice video and great review of the Brightline Train and stations! I'll have to check it out at some point. This would give me a reason to go to Miami again (I've only been there once in my life (in early 2001) and I flew to get there.

Awesome video! I wanted to say thanks for doing that part on the 11th Street diner that looks fabulous to checkout. I enjoyed you classic American diner reviews video.

Cool video cant wait take brightline from Orlando to miami

So much of Brightline is super modern and nice, and then you have headcounts and a food cart 🤔

This reminds me of the Enterprise train between Dublin and Belfast which was given big upgrade in the 90s. Both routes connect two places that really deserve a decent connection. They both give the impression of higher speed and comfort, and create a positive forward looking energy. I wish Brightline every success, hopefully electrified in years to come.

I live a few blocks away from Confusion Corner in Stuart. Glad you got that in your vid

Shawty's like a melody in my head

That scene with you and the little foamers was heartwarming 😂

Nice video I was hoping you would did a video. I'm definitely going check it out. I be glad when Brightside come to Tampa Florida. But know won't be long time.

I’m jealous of the pin. I love Brightline so much

12:18 Can't believe you got the legendary orange on record 🤩!!! It's practically a Melbourne, FL landmark. Brightline has been hell for everyone who lives around it, and yet i still want to ride it.....

HALLELUJAH!! ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!

Need this from New York to Orlando

10:38 Yay! They hand the terminal to people! Was worried they would try to take the phone away like some of the airlines still do.

Train station in airports are great! One of the great things of Europe.

10:21 “Do you know we are going 130 miles per hour right now?” *Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it* “Are we?”

It would be really nice for Brightline to extend all the way into Northwest Florida where I live. We have the tracks for it. We need more passenger trains!

As of the time of typing this the "Smart" averaged $79 for a one-way ride from Orlando to Miami and you got wifi, power outlets, and the seats. "Premium "averaged $149, or $50 extra. An Uber is ~$15 to go from the diner to the train station. So if you use the Uber, it drops it to $35 extra. The food seems nice, albeit it only makes sense IF you plan to be smart and get all the freebies that you can.

Super cool! Miles, you gotta come back to the Twin Cities when NLX opens in a few years. We're planning a big event to celebrate the first Amtrak train to Minneapolis since the 80s!

Awesome! Miami looks great

Thanks for sharing your experience in the brightline train. As I have heard or reed on a lot of people comments ,is not worthy to pay an extra $80 for a premium service.

I hope we expand and improve all trains that run between all notable East Coast cities Make traveling between Yonkers and Boston easier

I kinda love the toaster, I almost want to toast something

You do have a point about the Orlando station being at the airport. If you're at the airport and a flight is cheaper, just get on the plane to FLL or MIA. And it will probably take the same amount of time. That being said Brightline is a huge step in the right direction for high speed train. Hopefully they'll expand to Tampa.

Cool 😎 I appreciate your dedication! I'm hoping they build the extra tracking down to Cocoa Beach 🏖️ I would rather take the brightline then fly or drive from Orlando! ❤

This is maybe why I started waving at trains coming in and out of a station

Brightline is a Great train can't wait for Infill Station between Orlando and WPB and the Extension to Tampa

i really wanted to go opening day cuz i had a feeling you were gonna be there miles lol

Terminal C is everything International....and JetBlue. As someone who flies to Orlando regularly, I had to do a lot of walking and tram riding on many different trips while all of the terminal C things were being built like the rental car garage. I always managed to come in on the very last gate and have to walk what feels like a mile.

Great video. Thanks for doing this. This is such an exciting day all and all and yes more trains, more trains, more trains rather they're public, private or non-profit, more trains!! I've got to ride this!!

You may have had Uber dots, but at lease you didn't have über dots alles! I enjoyed your usual frenetic style with your measured deep analysis of transit for this transit historical event. It was fun seeing your Hitchcockian cameo in @Lonestar Trip Reports

Hi! I just saw your video and if you dont mind me asking. I arrive at Miami airport and have to take the brightline to Orlando.. do you know how I get to the train station (brightline) from the airport? Im a little bit lost.

I would imagine those abrupt stops were for people or cars on the line and, knowing the history of brightline and cars' track record, they'd rather play it safe than sorry

For anyone who has ridden brightline, are the seats the exact same as the Amtrak Midwest ones in terms of comfort?

😀I was having such an awful day but watching this made me feel so much better!

I've been inching towards revisiting Miami (been a decade since I've gone) and that diner was enough to get that up the priority list a notch, what a lovely looking spot (and food looked great too!)

I gonna pull off a whole day trip to Miami and back on this back

23:22 I love that song!

If they can go 130mph most of the way, that's already way better than many other passenger trains in the US.

0:50 nah taking Brightline would still be better than flying to Miami ngl

I never knew u rode the vero beach bus! I live in vero beach and love your videos!!! Yes there is plans to build a station in downtown ft pierce and yes the county that vero beach is in tried to sue brightline.

Nice Brighline video, please tell me that you rode sunrail and are planning a review of it including LYNX central station.

Lol love how you pronounced Broward County

wow you were in my town! I was there on Sept 22, but did NOT do Brightline, instead got the free "swag" for the Terminal C. Tried to get into the Brightline station but was not allowed to. VIP party going on. As far as cost goes, my point is $79 is ok for Orlando to Miami, but its the same cost if you go to any city. So Orlando to WPB is $79 (Smart Fare). However if you go from Miami to WPB ($17 I believe for Smart Fare). So you made point about Premium vs Smart. One must consider all the expenses to see which one is more resonable. (Uber fare $26 from 11th Street Diner to station) which is covered by the Premium fare. So much to think about! Well done....

In loneStar Trips video intro, you can see yourself getting caught running haha

bruh how did u make it to this premiere that's so dope

2:45 I can't believe there's security to board Brightline! Agree, extremely annoying. Is this inconvenience at every Brightline station or only MCO airport? I'm just blown away by the craziness of having to go to an airport to board a train -- and then have to endure airport security too! 😲😡

Great to know theyre lighting the train with cheap LEDs that strobe

Great video, Miles!!

fun video! how can I get my hands on the modern vignelli shirt?

I don't know why I like these video's... but I do. Your excitement over a bog-standard train is infectious! When are you going to come over and experience the thrills of European commuter rail?

The headcount is silly, they really have to find a better way. Aside that everything looks fantastic. I can’t wait until they replace that one single track bridge in Stewart and expand to Tampa/add more stops. Hopefully we can get Orlando to Jacksonville then to Savannah! It’s so nice to see this finally materialize, Amtrak take note.

The amount of money it costs and time it takes makes it pointless. Not to mention that you'll wait in traffic in Orlando since it doesn't bring you anywhere near downtown or Disney. A car makes so much more sense. I'm glad Brightline exists, but I won't be surprised if it goes bankrupt.

This is amazing content! I took brightline in january and it was an amazing service compared to via rail here in canada! Hope you like it as much as i did!

aw, no comment on downtown Melbourne as you passed through, its a cute little downtown! It used to have a station under FEC, but it was razed in the 50s or 60s. The roundabout you passed in Stuart is actually Confusion Corner, a 7-way road and now 2-track rail intersection.

14:20 - Train got baptized lol

Uber dots! Uber dots! Right now you're looking at some Uber dots!

I danced with my hands at the menu shot

12:18 I can confirm that is a big orange. I live right by there and I think it used to be an orange juice stand for tourists driving US1

In THEORY they run a bus shuttle to the Aventura mall. It even gets its own bus bay in the bus station there so signage isn't even the main problem. But the one time I needed to use it I waited 90 minutes and not a single bus came despite calling Brightline every 30m where each time they let me know it should have been running that day. I had nothing better to do so just watched as people kept missing their trains for the day. I ultimately ended up taking an uber to tri-rail, and was glad I hadn't pre-purchased my ticket like the others.

the configuration of these train cars is super similar (or maybe 1:1) to chinese high speed rail cars circa like 2014 even down to the weird pyramid screens that announce the stops

Incredible review! Every word you said in this video was undoubtedly true, and the diner in Miami was a nice find as well. Even though people may debate Brightline's status as high speed, it more than solidifies its reputation for incredible interiors and frequencies, which are unlike that of anything in the country. I'd actually like to argue that Brightline's Orlando station is better located than Amtrak's, since most people visiting Orlando (myself included in the past) usually fly to the airport, and that airport is the perfect location to set up an intercity rail station with access to Miami and eventually Tampa. With this long awaited Orlando extension finally open, Brightline will now have the chance to shine as an intercity railroad rather than just a glorified commuter service. *Long Live Brightline!*

Miami? Pretty sure you meant GREATER CUBA! 😂It's a shame you didn't get to visit Little Havana/Calle Ocho and have some Cuban food like a frita cubana, ropa vieja or pastelitos, but I think visiting that awesome 11th Street Diner at Miami Beach makes up for it! I agree that Miami's skyline is underrated, it feels like the Vancouver of the Caribbean! Like if you compare the Miami skyline in the intro of ¿Qué Pasa, USA? (a 1977 PBS sitcom that I highly recommend watching as it's about an immigrant family adjusting to life in the US and fighting between their Latino traditions and adapting); it was the first bilingual sitcom) to now, you can clearly see development around Miami has exploded. Speaking of Cuba, the roosters found in South Florida like what you saw in Miami and Key West are descendants of Cuban ones bred for fighting. Doing that isn't legal in the US anymore, hence why a lot were released and now roam the region. Little Havana has big rooster statues, and the reason why is they were installed back in 2002 when there was a craze to put animal sculptures up in US cities. They're based on a model sculpted by Tony Lopez who had a pet rooster named Pepe who followed him around. Also, Cuba actually got trains before SPAIN itself did! Cuba's first steam railway line opened in 1837 when it was a Spanish colony, making it the seventh place overall to get trains.

So...Orlando airport apple or Cleveland market apple?

As someone who used to live in brevard county the cars drive 80-90 mph on 528 so if you are beating the cars then yes you are going about 100 lol!

really really want to see them connect to tampa - not really interested in orlando so much (maybe more if it went downtown?) but a tampa orlando so fla would be *mwah*

shawdies like a melody in my head

3 deaths from the new train here in Brevard County already. It's crazy

Which train security is worse renfe in Spain? or Brightline?

1:52 Giant sign but they took up so much space with the logo and yellow crap that there wasn't enough room to spell out the stations.

MORE TRAINS

they have checked bags?? ive never had a train that tries to make me pay for luggage

I love how they call the bar Mary Mary.

Can you explain what the security procedure is like at both ends?

Nice video, You made me laugh, @ 6:17 "what's in these goodie bags that you were not suppose to get? " Well for the record I was there with you guys, and I asked a number of employees that said they were for the first riders, but never indicated exactly who? Now after I saw A gentleman come out of the premium lounge and grab two , I decided its time to delegate and to get in before they were gone and I (YES ME) pasted them out to all of us around there, so you can't blame them. I myself got two as well. I'm Glad I did because they were gone not to long after. Also honesty its not your camera its the train windows, I had my GOPRO12 set up to record the entire trip which I did but even that didn't turn out as well as I hoped. So 3 1/2 hours and 120 Gigs later and I haven't posted the trip to KZfaq because I'm not happy with the quality so I'll just keep it in my vault for my personal records. Anyway glad we all made it out that morning and hopefully were all still around for the Tampa expansion.

Thank you for the excellent review Miles! This makes me very happy and optimistic for the future.

this trains look so very siemens. if you’re ever on the ice4 in germany you’ll get the resemblance

2 weeks too late for me. Would've celebrated my bday by riding that train to Miami and spent my weekend at Miami Beach. Spent it at Hershey instead. Ill ride it this fall :)

Hi miles, I was the one in the orange shirt with those two other guys. The thing we thought was the poster is actually a fancy pen lol. anyway this trip was amazing and it was great to meet you!

Will you come back to Long Island to do new Suffolk County Bus Redesign that happening around October. Will you want to take Hampton Jitney to Suffolk County Bus?

My only complaint is that I wish you had a wider angle lens because everything is shot so close. 🎥👍🏻 Definitely invest in a wide angle lens please! 🙏🏻 And sometimes it's really hard to see what you're showing.