Brightline to become Virgin Trains USA

MIAMI – Brightline is set to become Virgin Trains USA less than a year after launching its passenger train service in South Florida.

Brightline and London-based Virgin Group announced a partnership Friday to rebrand the fledgling intercity rail company in 2019.

A news release says Virgin Group will make a minority investment in Brightline, which will be managed and operated by Brightline’s executive team and affiliates of Fortress Investment Group.

Brightline launched service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach this past May. As Virgin Trains USA, the company plans to expand into Orlando and Tampa. The company has also announced plans to construct a rail system connecting Las Vegas and Southern California.

Virgin Group has more than 60 companies, including a passenger rail system in the United Kingdom.