Coining the name “Death Train” locally online, the Brightline high-speed train system has received backlash for the numerous deaths caused by the train.
The Brightline train system began operating in January 2018 and runs between Miami and Orlando with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, transporting millions of passengers each year.
In a TCPalm analysis in Florida Today, since 2017, more than 370 people in Florida have been killed by 13 different rail companies, and of those cases, over 97 were involved with the Brightline company.
According to the cause of death and accident reports, numerous factors are to blame. In some cases, pedestrians are walking along the side of the track or drivers are ignoring the crossing signs.
Brightline trains are much quieter due to their higher speeds and lighter loads; this can become dangerous in “quiet zone” areas – a section of rail-line established by the Federal Railroad Administration where trains aren’t permitted to blow their horn.
“Sounding of horns is an important safety measure to make residents crossing the FEC right of way be aware of an oncoming train,” said County Administrator Don Donaldson in a WPTV article.
Brightline’s use of CSX tracks also has an effect on these incidents. CSX tracks often run through the easternmost part of south Florida, which is more likely to have heavier vehicle and foot traffic. Due to the semi-new implementation of the Brightline train, locals are still adjusting to the high-speed train rather than the slower CSX trains that they are used to.
Railroad suicides also seem to tie into these deaths. According to FRA statistics in 2023, Florida is ranked #4 in the United Statesfor trespassing-suicide casualties, holding over 277 deaths since the 2010s.
“Brightline has put in a lot of safety measures and, historically speaking, the train system sadly has been famous for having people jump, and not only in the United States,” AP Psychology Teacher Arturo Tenacio said.
In 2022, the Florida Department of Transportation received $37 million in grants to upgrade transportation safety, delegating $25 million of it to the Florida East Coast Corridor Trespassing and Intrusion Mitigation Project. This project, in partnership with Brightline, would enhance the safety of the Florida East Corridor. According to the FDOT, the fund will cover the addition of 328 rail-road gates, 33 miles of pedestrian protection features including pavement markers, fencing and safety signs.
“It’s very tragic that this has been going on and I think people should really pay attention when it comes to being around trains,” sophomore Arron Mauricette said. “Hopefully these security measures will keep these people safer and more alert than before.
The company overall has good service and transportation reviews, according to the High Speed Rail Alliance, several features give Brightline its good reputation compared to other train carriers. From bright and clean stations to extensive security measures, Brightline also shares a strong partnership with the FEC to ensure its trains run properly and on time. The FDOT along with Brightline are hoping these efforts will eventually prevent the accidents going forward and increase the safety of the people.