You can weigh in on funding for the years-long effort to bring the popular passenger rail system to Tampa.
TAMPA, Fla. — Brightline is now requesting $400 million in bonds from Florida to expand its passenger rail system from Miami to Tampa.
Right now, the closest station is in Orlando.
The funds would cover design, development, acquisition, construction, renovation, improvement and equipping of its privately owned and operated intercity passenger rail system.
In May 2025, the Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization asked for public input on the potential expansion. That information will help shape recommendations for the potential Tampa station.
State transportation leaders say there is a critical need for a passenger train connecting Tampa to Orlando because of the exponential growth along the I-4 corridor.
Brightline from Miami to Orlando
Here’s a look a Brightline’s existing track and where the expansion would go.
Brightline Tampa meeting log-in
The Florida Development Finance Corporation will hold a public hearing on Brightline’s funding request at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 17.
You can join by phone at 1-646-558-8656
- Meeting ID: 832 0197 5035
- Passcode: 811193
You can join the Zoom meeting on a computer.