In 2016, the Space Coast TPO conducted a passenger rail study in response to the prospect that passenger rail services may return to Brevard via Brightline, a new private endeavor to provide higher speed passenger train service between Miami and Orlando. This was determined to be an opportunity to advance the County’s public transportation vision, as described in the TPO’s adopted 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan, and support the region’s economy and tourism industries. The TPO has been encouraging Brightline to add a station in Brevard County upon the start up of service between Orlando and West Palm.

Passenger Rail Station Location Study – May 2016

SCTPO Resolution 16-14– Resolution endorsing future passenger rail station locations in Central and South Brevard County and a preferred location.

The Space Coast TPO coordinated an analysis in 2014 to assess the applicability of “quiet zones” at specific locations along the Florida East Coast (FEC) rail corridor. The analysis was conducted to address concerns by local jurisdictions and citizens about increased warning horn noise along the railway due to the frequency of the passenger trains to be running by Virgin Trains, anticipated to start in 2022.

Quiet Zone Technical Memorandum – September, 2014

SCTPO Resolution 15-12 – Resolution authorizing the SCTPO to coordinate the application for quiet zone designation at grade crossings along the Florida East Coast Railway corridor in Brevard County – October 9, 2014

Quiet Zone Status – Virgin Trains is beginning construction to expand its passenger rail services from West Palm to Orlando Airport. It is expected construction in Brevard County will take approximately 2 1/2 to 3 years and all at grade crossings will receive safety improvements necessary to meet quiet zone requirements. Upon completion of construction of all safety features and updating the crossing inventory to the Federal Rail Administration, an application will be submitted to have a quiet zone established in Brevard for all crossings from SR 528 south to Indian River County. The quiet zone would apply to both cargo (freight) and passenger trains.