Positive additions in 2018

By Alicia Brickey

As entrepreneurs and business owners, the start of a new year means exciting opportunities and doors to be opened. One of the biggest concepts to be opened in 2018 is the Brightline high-speed rail train, traveling from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale in just 35 minutes. The train will take off for the first time this Saturday, with trains departing as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 11 p.m. The next big step for Brightline is extending service to Miami, which will launch “in the coming months.” In the future, the train will run from South Florida to Orlando International Airport.

This is a huge addition to our city, with Brightline’s president  stating that, “We believe in comfort and convenience of our travel experience, paired with premium hospitality, will set a new standard.” But what will this mean for the city of Fort Lauderdale, and the businesses establishing it? Well, all in all, it helps us become more efficient. The amount of traffic coming in and out of the city will be able to greatly decrease, due to a more logical, inexpensive means of transportation. For most, the drive is the struggle. Stress, anxiety, and road rage can get the best of people. By creating a service that concentrates on reducing stress on the roadways, makes for clearer highways and less accidents caused by rushed drivers. Stress free employees then lead to increased productivity in the workplace. Also, it will be a positive note for our environment. Fort Lauderdale is heavily polluted with smog. Cutting back the amount of cars on our roadways can truly make a difference.

In the professional aspect, this speed train can bring a new pool of talent Fort Lauderdale has never seen before. Now, with easy accessibility, college graduates and others looking for employment can now easily extend their search to a larger city where jobs are available, flourishing, and even pay better than more remote areas. Not only will it bring those eager to work, but those eager to shop and explore. This will be a great avenue for people to see the city and shop the businesses within. With easy access to one of the best cities in the United States, the future of Fort Lauderdale can only blossom with the assistance of this awesome new transportation.