Transportation · Broward County
Brightline September Ridership Up 18% Amid Affiliate Bankruptcy
Brightline reported September ridership jumped 18% year-over-year, with more than 2.6 million passengers through the first nine months of 2026, up 14%. The announcement came less than a month after approximately 17 Brightline parent entities filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 24, paving the way for $490 million in long-term financing by secured creditors who now control the company. Average fares declined slightly: short-haul one-way fares dropped 7% to $22.25 and long-haul Orlando fares eased 6% to $72.17. A prearranged restructuring settlement agreement requires approval by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge in Newark, New Jersey, with a hearing set for Oct. 29. Brightline also announced a one-night-only midnight Halloween train departing at 12:15 a.m. Oct. 25, stopping at West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami.