Commuters were thrilled by the news, given that the company had scrapped its discounted commuter passes—the All Station Shared Pass, SoFlo Shared Pass, and SoFlo Solo Pass in June 2024 because of higher customer demand and peak trains hitting capacity. The SoFlo Solo Pass, for instance, allowed for 40 rides in 30 days at all South Florida stations for $399. The SoFlo Shared Pass was for 12 rides in 30 days for $229.
But, to the disappointment of riders, March came and went without reintroducing the commuter passes.
Just a week ago, a user on the r/Broward subreddit noted, "Brightline took 38 mm [sic] from the federal government to bring back the commuter pass and affordable travel in and out of Miami for frequent commuters. Yet, here we are, months later, and nothing."
Finally, on May 6, Brightline announced Brightline Passes, which the company calls "a multi-ride option that gives our frequent riders more flexibility — and more value." However, these new passes are quite the price hike compared to the previous savings.
The new Brightline South Florida passes, which are only valid 30 days from purchase offer 40 rides between Miami and Aventura stations for $299, 40 rides between Miami and Fort Lauderdale stations, including Aventura, for $699, and 40 rides between Miami and West Palm Beach stations, including the stations in between, for $899. If you are looking for ten rides, pricing begins at $239. There is also an option of ten rides between Orlando and all South Florida stations for $799, which expires after 60 days. The passes may also earn points towards Brightline's new loyalty program, Brightline Rewards.
Pass launched"Whether it's for weekday commutes or weekend escapes, the new Brightline Passes offer a reliable, modern ride with a fixed-rate fare to get frequent travelers where they need to go," Barbara Drahl, Brightline's senior vice president of marketing and commercial strategy, said in a press release.
byu/venpermuta inBrightline
While the company is touting the opportunity for riders to save on frequent trips, commuters are not impressed by the new passes.
"Boy oh boy, what a savings," a user wrote on the r/Brightline subreddit.
Another added, "And this is why Orlando to South Florida [is] not a viable option. This is supposed to be the discounted rate?"
One user pointed out that these prices are not practical or affordable for the average commuter.
"...please tell me this is for the year, can't imagine anyone doing this a month unless of course, they're filthy rich," a comment reads.
A user simply said, "This SUCKS. As someone who rides FTL-ORL very often, seriously what the fuck."
According to Brightline's March 2025 monthly revenue and ridership report (the most recent one available), the total monthly ridership was 280,000 passengers, and the total revenue was $20.8 million.
"In late January, we began rolling out a series of pricing increases for certain trains and booking windows that have resulted in higher average fares and which we expect to yield strong year-over-year average fare growth in 2025," the report notes.
At the end of March, the company also received its third delivery of passenger cars, which are now in service to create a six-car train set. As a result, seat capacity increased by 22 percent per train.
