Brightline released its first data on the company’s new long-distance train service between the Miami area and Orlando.
The data was released in investor report that said revenue is surging thanks to the new service. Ridership is also said to be strong and accelerating.
According to the report, there were 17,578 long-distance riders in the first nine days of long-distance operations in September, at an average fare of $84.
Strong market adoption continued into October. Between October 1-16, there were 40,219 long-distance riders at an average fare of $91. Total systemwide ridership including local trains between Miami & West Palm Beach was 104,322 from October 1-16.
On October 9, the company doubled the number of daily long haul trains to 15 in each direction between Miami and Orlando, offering hourly service through the day.
Future bookings indicate continued acceleration of ridership demand in the coming months, Brightline said.
The market has shown a willingness to pay the fares Brightline has set, and the company has been able to yield fares higher for peak trains. Approximately one third of long-distance tickets are sold for fares higher than the standard $79 and premium $149 one-way fares.
