Brightline Adds Stop in Stuart

Author: Press Release

Stuart, Fla. (March 4, 2024) – Brightline, seamlessly connecting travelers between Central and South Florida, formally announced that it has selected Martin County and the City of Stuart as the site for its next intercity passenger rail station. The location was chosen after a review of five proposals from private and public land owners along the Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway corridor in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Expanding into the Treasure Coast will make Brightline one of the most accessible forms of transportation in Florida, giving access to nearly half of the state’s residents and millions of visitors.

The decision to select Stuart was driven by a number of key factors, including the location and physical characteristics of the site and the ease with which the site will integrate into Brightline’s existing rail infrastructure network. Brightline also highlighted various dynamics of the local market and the site’s accessibility to key local attractions.

“I congratulate the City of Stuart and Martin County on its successful bid to secure the new Brightline station and parking structure. This is proof that our community can work together and come to a solution if we use common sense. I look forward to the economic development the Treasure Coast stop will bring to our local businesses and the opportunities it will provide to the surrounding cities and the region,” said Congressman Brian Mast, FL District 21.

“We’ve seen significant demand and support for a Brightline Station in the Treasure Coast which was evident during this process. It was a difficult decision and we’re grateful for everyone’s support and efforts to make this happen,” said Brian Kronberg, Brightline’s Senior Vice President of Development and Construction. “We couldn’t be more excited to make the City of Stuart our hub for Brightline along Florida’s Treasure Coast.”

The announcement of the station site kicks off the process of memorializing a deal structure with Martin County and the City of Stuart. Following City and County approvals, Brightline and its partners will start the design and engineering of the station, parking structure and necessary rail infrastructure.

The proposed Brightline Stuart station is located on 2.35 acres in the heart of historic downtown Stuart in Martin County. The station is conveniently located between the Miami and Orlando stations. Its location is approximately 40 miles north of Brightline West Palm Beach, just 40 minutes by train, and the station is easily accessible from I-95, Florida’s Turnpike and the local roadway network. Brightline Stuart guests will be within walking distance of the award-winning downtown and minutes from Stuart’s pristine beaches, oceanfront resorts, and internationally acclaimed “Treasure Coast” lifestyle.

“Brightline believes in ‘Connecting People for Good’ and I think that’s a great thing to believe in,” said Martin County Chairman Harold Jenkins, District 3. “A Brightline station in Martin County will make it

easier for folks to discover what makes our community unique. And, with a blend of cultures and backgrounds, this location has the potential to attract a good number of passengers. Together with Brightline, we look forward to connecting Martin County with other parts of this great state.”

“The City of Stuart is thrilled to announce that Brightline has chosen Stuart for the next station in Florida’s expanding passenger rail network,” said City of Stuart Mayor Becky Brunner. “This marks a historic return to our roots and fulfills a vision held by Stuart for over 30 years, offering residents and visitors alike a first-class journey to Stuart, away from the congestion of highways. Stuart welcomes Brightline to our seaside town and looks forward to developing a partnership that defines the future of travel and transportation in Florida.”

“The addition of a Brightline station will transform Stuart into a hub of modern transportation, fostering connectivity, and economic prosperity,” said Chair Troy McDonald, Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization, and City of Stuart Commissioner.

Brightline recently surpassed 5 million rides after first launching operations in South Florida in 2018 connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. In 2022, Brightline opened stations in Boca Raton and Aventura. In September 2023, Brightline rolled out the yellow carpet to welcome long-haul travelers between South Florida and Orlando, celebrating true intercity rail. As the first guests entered its station in Orlando, Brightline put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and the biggest development in American train travel in over 100 years. Today Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando in under 3.5 hours.