31 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Trains magazine, 2/3/23:

 

 

    Long-delayed Tri-Rail operations to downtown Miami now expected this fall    

 

 

Tri-Rail commuter service to Brightline’s MiamiCentral station is now projected to begin this fall, according to David Dech, executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.

 

The latest

[CNJRoss]

WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL 6/17/23

 

Tri-Rail to begin testing Monday on FEC tracks in Miami

 

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority plans service directly into downtown Miami

 

 

MIAMI — Starting Monday, Tri-Rail trains will begin test runs on Florida East Coast tracks in Miami also used by Brightline and freight trains.

 

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority has received approval from the FEC to test equipment and train personnel on the tracks in preparation for the anticipated start of Tri-Rail service directly into downtown Miami. Tri-Rail trains currently operate on CSX tracks, which include freight and Amtrak trains.

 

Brightline has provided authorization for Tri-Rail trains to enter the MiamiCentral Station as part of the testing.

 

 

Continue here.  

[KevinKorell]

Given the deplorable reception that Floridians have given to the arrival of Brightline  (as far as fouling the tracks with vehicles or walking on them), I unfortunately don't hold expectations that there won't be any incidents where the variable message signs were put up warning of TriRail trains using the new east-west connection between the railroad mainlines.

[KevinKorell]

Miami Today,  11/28/23:

 

 

  Final US OK will bring Tri-Rail to downtown Miami in December      

 

 

Long-awaited Tri-Rail service into Downtown Miami is still expected this year, and a proposed operating schedule is being reviewed by all involved as final federal approval is awaited.

 

Good news

[KevinKorell]

Trains magazine,  11/29/23:

 

 

   Miami’s Tri-Rail says it will begin downtown service by end of 2023    

 

 

A spokesman for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Tri-Rail’s parent agency, told Miami Today that a draft schedule has been submitted to partners including Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway, while operating and safety plans are awaiting approval from the Federal Railroad Administration, “which we expect mid-December.”

 

More

[KevinKorell]

Now it sounds like the "end of 2023" will not happen.  From WTVJ-TV, NBC-6 in Miami, FL, 12/9/23:

 

 

 

     Move over Brightline, Tri-Rail to add expanded services to Miami Central Station  

 

 

 

The time is almost here for the Tri-Rail to  add expanded service to Miami Central Station. Soon, Brightline will no longer be the only commuter train option to downtown Miami.

 

Whole story

 

So there was some concern about whether TriRail trains would fit into MiamiCentral, even though the station was supposedly built with dedicated tracks and a platform for eventual TriRail service.   That there was even any question as to whether trains would fit has to evoke thoughts of a nearby situation involving Amtrak moving into the Miami Transportation Center by the Airport.

 

There also is some concern then about whether MiamiCentral could handle more than one TriRail service-- the rerouted legacy line trains from Mangonia Park, and a potential future line along Brightline tracks up to Jupiter.   Plus, with the counties (Broward and Miami-Dade) themselves working on their own commuter rail, where are they going to put those trains?

[KevinKorell]

SFRTA TriRail website:

 

 

  Tri-Rail Downtown Miami Service -- Starting January 13, 2024!       

 

 

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) announces the start of Tri-Rail’s expanded service into the MiamiCentral Station for Saturday, January 13, 2024.

 

 

Continue reading

[KevinKorell]

Trains magazine,  1/5/24:

 

 

     Tri-Rail sets date to launch long-planned service to downtown Miami  

 

South Florida’s Tri-Rail will launch its long-delayed service to and from Brightline’s downtown MiamiCentral station on Saturday, Jan. 13, the commuter rail operator announced today (Friday, Jan. 5).

 

Service will begin as a shuttle between the Metrorail Transfer Station in Hialeah on the current Tri-Rail route and MiamiCentral. 

 

Article

[KevinKorell]

Promised shuttle schedule can be found here.

[CNJRoss]

Axios Miami, 1/17/24

 

Here's what it was like to ride the Tri-Rail from Fort Lauderdale to Miami

 

On Friday, I got to ride aboard Tri-Rail's inaugural train to downtown Miami, the culmination of seven years of delays.

 

My ride: I rode the train from Fort Lauderdale Airport to MiamiCentral Station, which Tri-Rail will share with the more expensive Brightline.

 

 

Continue here.