All Aboard Florida unveils new train service renderings

Brightline train service to open in 2017

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Construction was well underway in downtown Miami Monday morning as All Aboard Florida unveiled renderings for its new train service.

The passenger-rail service will connect riders from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando. As indicated by the vibrant renderings, the line will be called Brightline and was inspired by the South Florida landscape.

"I think it will give a sense of, 'This was really designed for me and of how we live in the 21st century,'" David Rockwell, founder of the Rockwell Group, said.

The downtown Miami station, or Miami Central, spans 9 acres, which is about six city blocks. The design is aimed at providing a great experience rather than just transportation.

"(It will be) much more convenient, much more comfortable and taking you away from what you normally associate with the commute process down here," All Aboard Florida President Michael Reininger said. 

Miami-Dade County commissioners and community leaders were in attendance as Mayor Carlos Gimenez received the first Brightline boarding pass. He also said the new rail will improve the commuter experience.

"We'll be able to shift some of the public transportation. Some of the local transportation options that we have, like Tri-Rail, will be able to shift to that new corridor," Gimenez said. "There's about a million people that live over there in about half a mile of that corridor up and down here, Broward and West Palm Beach, so it gives more options."

All Aboard Florida has not released its prices, but said boarding passes will be comparable to what it costs to drive a car to a final destination.

Train service is expected to open by the middle of 2017.

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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.