ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Some travelers across Florida are turning to Brightline trains as they try to avoid long airport lines tied to a partial government shutdown and rising gas prices, with many citing convenience, lower stress, and competitive fares as key reasons for making the switch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith everything that has been happening, it\u2019s kind of insane to be honest,\u201d one rider said.<\/p>\n
For those traveling across Florida, rail travel is becoming an increasingly popular choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s easier, to be honest,\u201d another rider explained. \u201cIt\u2019s easier on gas, and I don\u2019t have to go through the TSA check line in Orlando and then in Miami.\u201d<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Orlando International Airport\u2019s TSA lines stabilize while ICE staffs other airports]<\/p>\n
According to an email, Brightline Florida CEO Patrick Goddard notes, \u201clast weekend, more than 40,000 guests traveled between Orlando, Miami, and across South Florida \u2014 a new Brightline ridership record.\u201d<\/p>\n
Goddard also noted that continued airport congestion is prompting more travelers to choose Brightline as an alternative to flying whenever possible.<\/p>\n
Ashley Blasewitz, Brightline\u2019s Director of Media Relations, says the surge in demand includes a spring break travel record. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw 9,400 riders in one day alone, which was last Sunday,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Although Blasewitz says they can\u2019t directly link the high gas prices to the growth in ridership, she did say the company is also offering discounts, with some fares as low as $39. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think you have to look at it as an opportunity cost as well\u2014not just the cost of gas, but the cost of stress and loss of productivity time,\u201d said Blasewitz.<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Trooper Steve on Patrol shares gas-saving habits for Central Florida drivers]<\/p>\n
The deals make it a competitive option for some travelers. When asked whether higher gas prices make train travel a better option, one rider responded, \u201cI would hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many riders, the convenience the train offers compared to the airport or making a road trip is better. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can read, have a snack, sleep\u2014you can\u2019t beat it,\u201d one traveler said.<\/p>\n
Others say the journey itself is part of the appeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019re going to see scenery-wise, because it\u2019s going to be parts of Florida we won\u2019t see on the highway,\u201d another added.<\/p>\n
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