West Palm Beach, Fla. — The high-speed Brightline trains operating between Miami and Orlando have been under scrutiny after a cascade of fatalities, with the latest involving 49-year-old Joann DePina last month in West Palm Beach. DePina’s tragic incident, where she was reportedly struck after falling on the tracks, has amplified ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety around these fast-moving railways.
Brightline, known for its vibrant yellow trains and speeds reaching up to 110 miles per hour, has had a troubling record since it began operations in 2018. To date, the railway system has been linked to 127 fatalities, making it the most deadly per mile in the United States. In 2024 alone, 41 people died in incidents involving Brightline trains, and another 74 were injured.
Despite these alarming statistics, Brightline officials and the Federal Railroad Administration point out that none of the incidents were due to operator error. Reports show that most fatalities occurred because pedestrians, drivers, or trespassers violated traffic laws or used the tracks improperly, including attempting to outrun the high-speed trains.
Local officials have expressed concerns about the recurring pattern of accidents. “These trains are fast, and often by the time you see or hear them, it’s too late,” said Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss. “It’s crucial that individuals adhere to safety protocols and avoid taking risks at crossings.”
Recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures, Brightline announced a $45 million initiative funded by federal grants in 2022 designed to improve pedestrian infrastructure around its tracks. The planned upgrades include the installation of more robust fencing, clear signage, and raised pavement markers along 33 miles of railway where foot traffic is common.
However, progress on these improvements has been stalled as Brightline awaits final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration for the grant. A company spokesperson stated they are hopeful for a quick resolution so that enhancements can begin, aiming to significantly reduce the risks associated with pedestrian access to the tracks.
The pursuit of solutions follows heartbreak in local communities. For instance, in Palm Beach County, which led the state in Brightline-related fatalities last year with 14 deaths, there is a palpable sense of urgency. In neighboring counties, the numbers are also stark, with Broward recording eight fatalities and Miami-Dade six.
As the high-speed train network plans its expansion from Miami to Orlando, these safety measures are seen as crucial to preventing future tragedies. Locally, residents and officials are calling for immediate action, emphasizing that while the trains themselves are not at fault, the infrastructure and public awareness campaigns must be improved to ensure public safety around these modern high-speed corridors.
In the meantime, families like that of Joann DePina grieve and advocate for change, hoping that their losses will lead to action that prevents future tragedies. As the community waits for the safety enhancements to materialize, the broader discussion continues about the balance between technological progress in transportation and the imperative to protect those in its path.