Indian River & Martin Counties, along with CARE FL (Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida) have filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration over safety and financial concerns involving the high-speed passenger rail service known as Brightline.
The complaint accuses federal officials of ignoring or failing to consider safety concerns for residents of the Treasure Coast.
Brightline is now running from West Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale. Service to Miami has not started at this time. Brightline trains have killed two people and injured two others since service began in January 2018.
The new complaint states that an increase in the number and the speed of trains through the at-grade crossings in Indian River and Martin Counties will increase the chances for train accidents and death. Brightline service to Orlando is several years away and no stops are planned for either of the counties.
The complaint also addresses USDOT’s decision to subsidize AAF/Brightline with tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds. (PABs)
Download the press release here.