Brightline has announced plans to open its first station in Brevard County by 2030, according to a Tuesday press release. The high-speed rail line will connect passengers to Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, officials said. The project received a federal grant Tuesday to fund the expansion. The new stop will be located along the existing Brightline route between Orlando and Miami, though exact coordinates were not disclosed.
The station is part of Brightline's broader effort to expand its network in Florida. The company has operated routes in South Florida since 2018 and began service between West Palm Beach and Orlando in 2022. Brevard County officials have long pushed for rail access to the region's major tourist and research hubs.
The federal grant comes as Brevard County faces growing demand for transportation infrastructure. Tourism and space industry jobs have increased local traffic, according to county planners. The station is expected to handle 10,000 daily passengers once fully operational, though no cost estimate was provided.
Brightline did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the project's timeline or funding details. The company has faced delays in past expansions, including a 2023 slowdown due to permitting issues. The new station will be the first in Brevard County, which currently lacks direct rail service to its major destinations.
The project's approval follows years of discussions between Brightline and local leaders. County Commissioner Patrick Fink said in a statement that the station would 'reduce traffic congestion and provide a reliable alternative for commuters.' Construction is expected to begin after the grant is finalized, with a 2030 opening date pending regulatory reviews.