The Brightline Cocoa Train Station
Brightline Train Station in Cocoa, Florida: A Game Changer for the Space Coast
Brightline,
the high-speed passenger rail service, is bringing its modern transportation
revolution to Cocoa, FL! As part of its expanding Orlando-to-Miami route,
the Cocoa station is set to deliver major economic and travel benefits to
the Space Coast region. Let's dive into everything this exciting development
has in store.
A Sleek and Modern Passenger Experience
The upcoming Cocoa Brightline station promises a stylish, contemporary
design with top-notch amenities:
- Spacious, comfortable waiting areas.
- Convenient ticketing services for easy travel.
- Retail and dining
options to enhance the travel experience.
This station will ensure a
seamless journey for locals and visitors alike, making travel along the
Space Coast more accessible and enjoyable. Watch his informative video to
get caught up on the status of the new Cocoa Brightline Station.
Prime Location and Vision
The new station will be constructed on the Cocoa Curve, a 33-acre
property acquired by Brightline for $12.5 million in 2021. This curve is
where trains adjust their route as they move between Orlando and South
Florida. The station sits on a larger 90-acre development near Clearlake
Road/U.S. 1 and State Road 528, which will feature:
- Retail shops.
-
A beautiful park.
- A hotel to cater to travelers.
Strong Financial Backing
This transformative project benefits from substantial funding, ensuring
smooth development:
- $15.5 million in federal grants, with eligibility
for up to $40 million more.
- $5 million in Cocoa City funds and $5
million from Brevard County tourism funding.
Benefits Beyond Transportation
The Cocoa station isn't just about convenience, it's about community transformation:- Reduced Traffic: High-speed rail will ease congestion on busy roads.
- Environmental Impact: Lower pollution with fewer cars on the road.
- Economic Boost: New retail and dining opportunities, plus nearby housing developments.
Local Connectivity Made Easy
The station will serve as an intermodal transportation hub, connecting passengers to various parts of Florida. Brevard County's Space Coast Area Transit system is already planning enhanced bus services for easy access to the station. Cruise ship passengers and those traveling by car can also look forward to:- Dedicated buses to popular destinations.
- A large parking area for drivers.
- Designated zones for ride-shares.
Growing Cocoa's Tourism and Lifestyle Appeal
Tourism in Cocoa is expected to flourish with improved access for visitors:- Easy travel to Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral, and the Brevard Zoo.
- A gateway to the relaxed A1A beach lifestyle and Space Coast charm for Orlando and South Florida residents.
Nearby Housing and Business Opportunities
Cocoa is already seeing a housing boom in anticipation of the station's completion:- Two large apartment complexes along Highway 524 are ready, with 600 additional units in development.
- Enhanced interest in restaurants and retail along Clearlake Road, which has been re-engineered for pedestrian safety with new crosswalks and traffic-calming measures.
Timeline and Future Impact
The station is set to open in 2028, with final plans due in mid 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Cocoa's growth and connectivity. Brightline is collaborating with local authorities to ensure the project's success, setting a new standard for transportation in the region. The funding will come from Federal, State and local government and Brightline which owns the land.
Brightline
Trains in Florida
Brightline trains operate from Orlando to Miami with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Central Miami. Brightline tickets are available online where you can check out the pricing for trips to various destinations along its route. Read more about Brightline.
Brightline Ownership
Brightline is owned by Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) which is owned by Fortress Asset Management Company, which in turn is owned by Abu Dhabi-based sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company. Fortress, a real estate development company, has owned FEIC since 2007 and borrowed the money to build the present rail infrastructure using mainly tax free bonds. Fortress has developed and is developing commercial properties along the east coast route of Brightline.
Brightline operates partially on Florida East Coast Railroad tracks owned by Grupo Mexico. Grupo Mexico is a Mexican holding company with various interests in US railroads. Florida East Coast Railway operates freight trains on its 352 miles of tracks along Florida's east coast. It shares its tracks, upgraded by Brightline to accommodate high speed trains, with Brightline from Miami to Cocoa, FL.
For the route from Cocoa to Orlando, Brightline signed a 30 year lease for the track easement along 528 with the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Brightline built the tracks and related infrastructure along this easement with borrowed funds in the form of tax free municipal bonds.
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