Written by: Tony Doris, Palm Beach Post

A big yellow train at the platform, a smattering of celebratory statements and Brightline’s inaugural run set off Friday morning, dignitaries aboard, for a high-speed ride down the rails to Fort Lauderdale and back.

Some politicos acknowledged disappointment the company failed to finish construction of whatever’s required for horn-free running but no protesters materialized. Mayor Jeri Muoio’s absence was the most visible expression of city annoyance at the rail line’s last-minute revelation it would continue blasting horns through intersections for at least a few more months before completing its Quiet Zone work. 

Nonetheless the mood was laudatory.

“When you do something this bold, this big, you can’t expect everything to be perfect,” City Commissioner Paula Ryan told the gathering of officials at the launch. “This is going to change the feel of the city for 100 years.”

County Commission Chairwoman Melissa McKinlay called the day “historic” and Congresswoman Lois Frankel, West Palm’s former mayor, dubbed it “a bright day for our region” and said, “I look forward to seeing those millions of cars off the road.”

Also on hand: county commissioners Hal Valeche and Steve Abrams, City Commissioner Keith James, Chamber President Dennis Grady, Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie, who chairs the region’s Transportation Planning Agency, TPA Executive Director Nick Uhren and Assistant County Administrator Todd Bonlarron, among others from government and business.

Hors d’oeuvres were nibbled, free coffee and pastry was distributed and guests noted the terminal’s comfy seating area with phone-charging sockets, floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of downtown, if too much glare from the morning sun. The terminal has a smattering of electronic information boards, a play area, and a “Pet Relief Station” outside with a fake hydrant painted in Brightline yellow.

Brightline promised to work on the website glitches that have made electronic ticket purchases difficult, and to accelerate the Quiet Zone work.

“All aboard,” Brightline President and CEO Patrick Goddard said, and in a moment the celebration pulled out of the station.