Contrary to early signals from Brightline offices that the high-speed train system from West Palm Beach to Orlando would begin construction at the end of 2018, company officials now indicate a starting date for March 2019. An update from the company’s president on December 13th said that Brightline intended to give contractors 30 days to move forward on the $2.1 billion project on February 1st. It is still unknown who they have chosen to be the contractor of this new route.
Once this initial 30-day period has passed, construction will commence with a goal of the route being completed by late 2020 or early 2021. In addition to the service expansion project, Brightline plans to start rebranding itself after announcing its partnership with the Virgin Group back in November.
Brightline’s track record has been anything but smooth for many reasons. While residents in the Treasure Coast area have regularly voiced concerns of noise, others have called the operational safety of the rails into question.
There have been reports of emergency services experiencing delays at crossings. Since Brightline’s testing began in 2017, seven people have died by these trains. Though the company wasn’t cited in any of these tragic accidents, another death occurred just this past New Year’s Day.
While on his way to join friends that were fishing near a bridge in Fort Lauderdale, a man struck by the high-speed train drowned in a canal below the rails. The 36-year-old father of two was pronounced dead on the scene, and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office reported his death as accidental.
Common risks and dangers associated with high-speed trains like Brightline are:
Brightline also faces speculation about possible financial troubles. These rumors began after recent changes to their executive officers. Some critics believe that Brightline isn’t following through on its goals and might tank, which could leave local communities stuck with the bill. This belief is popular because of the public’s inability to see the company’s business plan since it is a privately-held corporation.
Despite these issues, it appears that the company has an overall positive impact. Academic communities are enjoying the increased transportation options and Brightline trains have much lower fuel consumption than the millions of cars on Orlando’s highways.
According to The Federal Railroad Administration, since 2015 at least 55 fatalities by train accidents, and this number seems to be increasing. Personal injury cases involving a passenger or commercial train is a serious matter. Victims need the best representation possible when trying to collect compensation for life-altering injuries or wrongful death from transportation companies like Brightline.
The Umansky Law Firm takes our clients’ needs and future well-being to heart when we commit to fighting for justice on their behalf. We have over 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law in Orlando. Our goal is to help you recover each cent your claim deserves so you can get back to your life. Contact our office today to arrange your free consultation and case evaluation with our firm.
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