by Noel Weaver
Yesterday (Monday, December 18th) a friend and I took an exploratory trip by Tri-Rail up to WPB to check out the new Brightline Station. We got off Tri-Rail at the West Palm station and took a number 1 bus from there to Clematis Street very close to the new station. Then the walking began, no way to get in from Clematis Street so walk down to the next crossing and again no way to access the station. Then back to Clematis Street and walk west a block to the next street south, headed south then east and finally found the station entrance. The station was locked but a security guard there was interesting to talk to. He did not provide much information but it was a positive conversation. On the way back to the main streets we stopped at O'Shea's for a good lunch, thanks Jim for that tip, we both had roast beef and it was good. I would recommend this one for sure. The biggest reason for this escapade was to see if a group trip could be done for some of my neighbors here and reluctantly I concluded that it would not be a suitable trip at least out of WPB because there is too much walking involved from the nearest bus stop to the station. I walked over a mile trying to find the entrance and yes I made it but I would not do it again. I walked farther than necessary and would not have to do it again but even the shorter distance that we would have to do would be way too much for a good number of the folks here. The station at West Palm looked ready to go with all the lights on and even the escalators running but it was locked. OH between 12:00 Noon and about 2:00 PM we did not see any trains of any kind, only some track equipment working around the station. The two tracks that service the station looked shiny and in regular use. The third track that does not serve the station was rusty and looked like it was not currently in use.
The Tri-Rail trains were pleasant, clean and on time to the minute in both directions, Tri-Rail is a pleasure to use at least for me.
Noel Weaver
The Tri-Rail trains were pleasant, clean and on time to the minute in both directions, Tri-Rail is a pleasure to use at least for me.
Noel Weaver