Brightline, in its latest move to sustain critical repeat business among South Florida regional travelers, says it has revived a multi-ride pass between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
The objective is to retain “frequent travelers, commuters and business professionals” who make multiple trips between two of the region’s largest cities.
The terms of deal, according to an announcement distributed last week, include:
A 10-ride SMART pass at $239.
A 20-ride pass at $319.
A 40-ride pass at $359.
The company said the offer “equates to rides as low as $9 one-way between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.”
The Miami-based rail line, which offers inter-regional trips to and from Orlando, cited the continued business growth in both Broward and Palm Beach counties as the trigger for the offer. It cited the arrivals of “corporate headquarters, financial services firms, technology companies and skilled talent from across the country.
“Palm Beach County alone has welcomed more than 140 company relocations and expansions in recent years, generating more than 13,000 jobs and over $1 billion in capital investment,” the company said in a statement.
“As South Florida continues to evolve into a connected economic powerhouse, Brightline is making it easier than ever for professionals to move seamlessly between major employment centers,” said Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline Trains Florida. “The return of the multi-ride pass connecting West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale reflects the growing demand for flexible transportation options that support both business and lifestyle needs.”
The West Palm Beach–Fort Lauderdale pass is available at GoBrightline.com and through the Brightline app.
A strong majority of people who work for the employers cited by Brightline earn incomes that are high enough to afford the fares, which cover rapid rail rides along the Florida East Coast Railway corridor.
Tri-Rail alternative
Those who don’t can ride the slower moving Tri-Rail, the publicly subsidized commuter line that serves 19 stops along a rail corridor that runs from Miami International Airport mostly west of Interstate 95 to a point north of West Palm Beach. Zoned fares between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are in the single digits.
An unlimited monthly pass for rides anywhere along the Tri-Rail system is sold for $110. A regional pass that includes rides on the Miami-Dade County transit system is $155.
The pass prices will go up in October by roughly 10%.
Both railroads, which are under heavy financial pressures, have been operating special trains to attract passengers during the World Cup soccer tournament, Inter Miami’s season opener at its new stadium in Miami-Dade County, and various other events.
Overall, the two have reported higher passenger counts as regional travelers have sought relief from South Florida’s congested highways.