Brightline, the intercity rail service based in Miami that connects South Florida to Orlando, reported significant year-over-year growth in total ridership and revenue for the first quarter of 2025, according to its first quarter report.
This increase is primarily due to the rising demand for its long-distance routes. However, short-haul commuter traffic declined compared to the same period in 2024.
Between January and March 2025, the company served 793,432 passengers, representing a 10% increase from the 722,708 riders in the first quarter of 2024. Long-distance ridership, which includes trips between Miami and Orlando, accounted for 468,283 passengers, reflecting a significant 26% year-over-year increase. In contrast, short-distance travel within South Florida declined by 8%, totaling 325,149 passengers.
Revenue for the quarter rose to $54.6 million, a 12% increase compared to the $48.9 million earned during the same period the previous year. Ticket sales contributed $44.7 million, while ancillary revenue—comprising parking, food, and other add-ons—totaled $9.9 million, with both categories showing year-over-year growth.
Brightline, a company owned by Fortress Investment Group, operates along a 235-mile corridor with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach.
Fare Trends and Monthly Performance
Although overall ridership increased, average fares experienced a slight decline. In the first quarter of 2025, the average fare for long-distance trips was $74.26, a decrease from $78.40 in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, short-distance fares remained stable at $30.40, compared to $30.59 the previous year. Overall, the average fare across all riders rose modestly to $56.28.
- January 2025: 266,346 riders
- – Long-haul: 162,500 | Short-haul: 103,846
- – Average fare: $52 | Revenue per passenger: $63.42
- – Short-haul riders declined from 113,560 in January 2024
- February 2025: 247,083 riders
- – Long-haul: 145,945 | Short-haul: 101,138
- – Average fare: $55.59 | Revenue: $16.9 million
- – Long-distance travel up 28% year-over-year
- March 2025: 280,003 riders (monthly record)
- – Long-haul: 159,868 | Short-haul: 120,165
- – Revenue: $20.8 million | Average fare: $61
Brightline attributes its decline in commuter numbers to limited seat availability, as it prioritizes the expansion of its more profitable long-distance service. The decision to discontinue its commuter pass in June 2024 has also affected short-haul ridership.
