Brightline review - America finally has a PERFECT passenger service!
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
train
When this railroad is extended to tampa, i will be making more trips to the orlando theme parks. For anyone who hasn't driven on I-4, the return trip to Tampa from Orlando is backed up bumper to bumper starting in the afternoon until late at night and normal east bound traffic is basically a Mad Max movie. My biggest wish is that the service serves the west coast cities like Sarasota, Ft Myers, Naples to make the corridor one nice loop connecting most of Florida's metro areas. The Miami to Orlando airport is a huge start however, the planned expansion to Tampa will pay for itself in due time if the disney world connection is a ago. For anyone curious as to why we have Brightline is because then Governor Rick Scott nixed Obama's plan for high speed rail that would have brought TGV/Shinkansen level high speed rail to the areas Brightline is planning to serve. He got with his buddies in the Florida East Coast Railway and other corporate stooges to come up with their own service and thus brightline was born. His excuse was that Florida couldn't afford such a service.
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When this railroad is extended to tampa, i will be making more trips to the orlando theme parks. For anyone who hasn't driven on I-4, the return trip to Tampa from Orlando is backed up bumper to bumper starting in the afternoon until late at night and normal east bound traffic is basically a Mad Max movie. My biggest wish is that the service serves the west coast cities like Sarasota, Ft Myers, Naples to make the corridor one nice loop connecting most of Florida's metro areas. The Miami to Orlando airport is a huge start however, the planned expansion to Tampa will pay for itself in due time if the disney world connection is a ago. For anyone curious as to why we have Brightline is because then Governor Rick Scott nixed Obama's plan for high speed rail that would have brought TGV/Shinkansen level high speed rail to the areas Brightline is planning to serve. He got with his buddies in the Florida East Coast Railway and other corporate stooges to come up with their own service and thus brightline was born. His excuse was that Florida couldn't afford such a service.
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-Meeshusa
Florida's deadliest railroad lol. Empty cute trains running back and forth meaningless destinations with lots of real estate development. Running on freight tracks that used to have one freight train a day. Tracks go through very populated areas with poor infrastructure, heavy traffic. The trains are empty, I can see them from my window. They smash into vehicles people, large debris, animals. Walking near the tracks is disgusting, and they go thru the middle of the city core. The death toll costs are way more than the profits from this welfare train that's only exist cause it's in the pockets of local governments, theiving money for someone cray cray wet pretty train dreams. It's useless for the cruises, airports, not connected to anything but these condos and apartments near the stations.
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Florida's deadliest railroad lol. Empty cute trains running back and forth meaningless destinations with lots of real estate development. Running on freight tracks that used to have one freight train a day. Tracks go through very populated areas with poor infrastructure, heavy traffic. The trains are empty, I can see them from my window. They smash into vehicles people, large debris, animals. Walking near the tracks is disgusting, and they go thru the middle of the city core. The death toll costs are way more than the profits from this welfare train that's only exist cause it's in the pockets of local governments, theiving money for someone cray cray wet pretty train dreams. It's useless for the cruises, airports, not connected to anything but these condos and apartments near the stations.
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-sszibler
How many bike racks are typically on a train? Just those two? That would allow people to go carless without the need for expensive -premium- services.
It looks nice, essentially bringing service closer to NE Amtrak and MARC train service speed-wise with newer passenger cars.
The western branch appears to be better with more above ground rail, but their record for being the most deadly passenger service in the US at crossings shows that private endeavors love to cut corners regardless of the outcome. Dealing with safety at crossings after the fact is extremely poor planning and why they-ve changed hands so many times.
Obama-s true HSR would have been much better, it-s too bad the fossil industry and politics got in the way.
But, yes, better than nothing.
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How many bike racks are typically on a train? Just those two? That would allow people to go carless without the need for expensive -premium- services.
It looks nice, essentially bringing service closer to NE Amtrak and MARC train service speed-wise with newer passenger cars.
The western branch appears to be better with more above ground rail, but their record for being the most deadly passenger service in the US at crossings shows that private endeavors love to cut corners regardless of the outcome. Dealing with safety at crossings after the fact is extremely poor planning and why they-ve changed hands so many times.
Obama-s true HSR would have been much better, it-s too bad the fossil industry and politics got in the way.
But, yes, better than nothing.
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-genesis1177
The fact that 99 percent of these trains are EMPTY means there is not less cars on the road Mr. Planet, tree worshipper. Whether it is just for 5 days and crowded a little more on the weekend. The train is empty and riding at a loss Mr. Global warming believer. Sooner or later they will also have trouble with their revenue and resort to trying to hide it from the public as a failure. And another point. This is NOT Europe. So comparing them as a measuring stick is useless because from what I have seen reported from those who have been traveling on the best trains on the globe for decades, Japan has the best and top train service in the world, not us or Europe.
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The fact that 99 percent of these trains are EMPTY means there is not less cars on the road Mr. Planet, tree worshipper. Whether it is just for 5 days and crowded a little more on the weekend. The train is empty and riding at a loss Mr. Global warming believer. Sooner or later they will also have trouble with their revenue and resort to trying to hide it from the public as a failure. And another point. This is NOT Europe. So comparing them as a measuring stick is useless because from what I have seen reported from those who have been traveling on the best trains on the globe for decades, Japan has the best and top train service in the world, not us or Europe.
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-timmytubede
Funny to see how trains work in different parts of the world.
The train station being laid out like an airport terminal is really weirding me out. But I guess that's how you get Americans to use trains.
The price of 22$ for the normal ticket seems okay.
For comparison:
A commuter train in Germany costs about 10$ for the same distance - but they are not as fancy and limited to 99 mph.
An express train costs at least 34$ - but keep in mind, these go up to 186 mph in Germany, so they are faster
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Funny to see how trains work in different parts of the world.
The train station being laid out like an airport terminal is really weirding me out. But I guess that's how you get Americans to use trains.
The price of 22$ for the normal ticket seems okay.
For comparison:
A commuter train in Germany costs about 10$ for the same distance - but they are not as fancy and limited to 99 mph.
An express train costs at least 34$ - but keep in mind, these go up to 186 mph in Germany, so they are faster
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-dennisud
I was from Miami and Now live between Orlando and Tampa in Winter Haven. I am highly anticipating this as the West Plam Beach to the Orlando leg is slated to open in 2023, while the future leg to Tampa should be done by 2025. I hope you come back to review those in the future! The only real problem is drivers who try to beat the train. This week alone they had 2 crashes which were the car driver's fault!
Oh, I forgot to ask, will you be checking the Brightline West from LA to Las Vegas in the future?
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I was from Miami and Now live between Orlando and Tampa in Winter Haven. I am highly anticipating this as the West Plam Beach to the Orlando leg is slated to open in 2023, while the future leg to Tampa should be done by 2025. I hope you come back to review those in the future! The only real problem is drivers who try to beat the train. This week alone they had 2 crashes which were the car driver's fault!
Oh, I forgot to ask, will you be checking the Brightline West from LA to Las Vegas in the future?
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train
The -Bright Line- is an unmitigated disaster. they can't GIVE tickets away. People didn't want it. the 'powers that be' shoved it right down their throats anyway. It loses Major amounts of money. hell, not even the Great 'Sir Richard Branson' could save it. In fact, Virgin is currently suing Brightline for $253 Million. According to Brightline's annual report, it ended 2021 with a Net Loss of over $141 MILLION Dollars. I'm not saying it's not a Great idea. But it's been really Horrifically Managed.
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The -Bright Line- is an unmitigated disaster. they can't GIVE tickets away. People didn't want it. the 'powers that be' shoved it right down their throats anyway. It loses Major amounts of money. hell, not even the Great 'Sir Richard Branson' could save it. In fact, Virgin is currently suing Brightline for $253 Million. According to Brightline's annual report, it ended 2021 with a Net Loss of over $141 MILLION Dollars. I'm not saying it's not a Great idea. But it's been really Horrifically Managed.
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-HappyComfort
Can-t wait to see if they ever upgrade trains on the west coast of California. The Coast Starlight is old and way behind other places like Japan and this train service on the east coast! So behind in new technology and looking tired and worn out! I can-t help thinking the employees would love to be able to work on a bright new high tech more comfortable train. Just seems so sad when it seems like there should be enough money to make the changes from available entities.
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Can-t wait to see if they ever upgrade trains on the west coast of California. The Coast Starlight is old and way behind other places like Japan and this train service on the east coast! So behind in new technology and looking tired and worn out! I can-t help thinking the employees would love to be able to work on a bright new high tech more comfortable train. Just seems so sad when it seems like there should be enough money to make the changes from available entities.
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-bluebear6570
This service is far from being perfect - if you want to see a perfectvtrain service, go visit Switzerland. Or the Netherlands. Or Germany. Or Italy. Or France.
While the US were the leading railroad country of the world in the 1920s and 1930s, they have lost track - literally speaking - beginning in the 1950s. The introduction of highspeed passenger services comes half-heartedly, incomplete and too late. You simply cannot operate trains like airlines!
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This service is far from being perfect - if you want to see a perfectvtrain service, go visit Switzerland. Or the Netherlands. Or Germany. Or Italy. Or France.
While the US were the leading railroad country of the world in the 1920s and 1930s, they have lost track - literally speaking - beginning in the 1950s. The introduction of highspeed passenger services comes half-heartedly, incomplete and too late. You simply cannot operate trains like airlines!
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train
Really enjoyed your brightline video. Really love the service down here in Miami. Thinking of taking my first train voyage from Miami to Fraser CO via the SILVER Meteor with a 8 hour layover in DC then Capitol Limited with maybe a 5 hour Layover in Chicago then the Zephyr to Fraser CO. Would this experience be worth the extra travel expense. - want to to support more exspansive train services in the states. I have also enjoyed watching your long distance trips.
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Really enjoyed your brightline video. Really love the service down here in Miami. Thinking of taking my first train voyage from Miami to Fraser CO via the SILVER Meteor with a 8 hour layover in DC then Capitol Limited with maybe a 5 hour Layover in Chicago then the Zephyr to Fraser CO. Would this experience be worth the extra travel expense. - want to to support more exspansive train services in the states. I have also enjoyed watching your long distance trips.
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-DandamanV
Wow, that last part blew my mind. Amazing customer service, removing the hassle (and increased emissions) of needing to get a taxi to your hotel. That will also incentivise customers to find hotels within 5mi of brightline stations, which is lucrative for those operators. So well thought-out. We could only dream of having a similar service here in Australia.
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Wow, that last part blew my mind. Amazing customer service, removing the hassle (and increased emissions) of needing to get a taxi to your hotel. That will also incentivise customers to find hotels within 5mi of brightline stations, which is lucrative for those operators. So well thought-out. We could only dream of having a similar service here in Australia.
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-utterbullspit
You know what's funny though, Florida used to have passenger rail that went down the coast all the way to the Florida Keys if I'm recalling the Aerial America video I saw correctly. They got rid of the train and built a highway instead. If only we just learned how to appreciate our historical transit, we wouldn't be in such bad shape like we are now.
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You know what's funny though, Florida used to have passenger rail that went down the coast all the way to the Florida Keys if I'm recalling the Aerial America video I saw correctly. They got rid of the train and built a highway instead. If only we just learned how to appreciate our historical transit, we wouldn't be in such bad shape like we are now.
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-avagd6293
If more people that run and operate Amtrak used some funds to improve the stations that serve Amtrak and have secure parking, improve trackage and speed, more rail travelers will utilize Amtrak. The public wants comfort and speed. I. E. European and Asian countries realized this years ago.
Max Kudos to Brightline for forging ahead.
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If more people that run and operate Amtrak used some funds to improve the stations that serve Amtrak and have secure parking, improve trackage and speed, more rail travelers will utilize Amtrak. The public wants comfort and speed. I. E. European and Asian countries realized this years ago.
Max Kudos to Brightline for forging ahead.
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-jamesthompson3099
Thank you for this review. To date I had only heard of some of the construction problems they have had. I am thrilled to see that the finished product is so good. You are quite right, rail here is not anywhere close to European standards. Finally we have someone that has solved the problem.
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Thank you for this review. To date I had only heard of some of the construction problems they have had. I am thrilled to see that the finished product is so good. You are quite right, rail here is not anywhere close to European standards. Finally we have someone that has solved the problem.
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train
Brightline is really a game changer! I would love to take this train if I ever visit America someday. They have the best railway company for me in America. I've seen positive reviews about Brightline. I can see the future success in this railway company. So kudos to Brightline for this amazing company
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Brightline is really a game changer! I would love to take this train if I ever visit America someday. They have the best railway company for me in America. I've seen positive reviews about Brightline. I can see the future success in this railway company. So kudos to Brightline for this amazing company
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-SimplyRailway
I see a lot of folks pointing out the lack of ridership.
Don't forget that this video was recorded on a Wednesday at 10: 00am. Ridership is way more important during rush hours and week end.
And don't forget that Brightline is fairly new and unknown by many Floridans
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I see a lot of folks pointing out the lack of ridership.
Don't forget that this video was recorded on a Wednesday at 10: 00am. Ridership is way more important during rush hours and week end.
And don't forget that Brightline is fairly new and unknown by many Floridans
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-dziltener
LMAO Security theatre even at the train station, classic USA. Also, priority boarding? You can't just go onboard as soon as the train's there? Sounds like an airline manager thought -hey, I'm gonna set up a train service, how different can it be? -
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LMAO Security theatre even at the train station, classic USA. Also, priority boarding? You can't just go onboard as soon as the train's there? Sounds like an airline manager thought -hey, I'm gonna set up a train service, how different can it be? -
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-exoressdelivers70
What a difference a year makes as far as ridership is concerned. Some trains are now sold out, especially in the morning and afternoon weekdays. On weekends the fare is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. The train is then packed with families.
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What a difference a year makes as far as ridership is concerned. Some trains are now sold out, especially in the morning and afternoon weekdays. On weekends the fare is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. The train is then packed with families.
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-SteamboatWilley
The configuration of the trains, with a single ended, streamlined locomotive at either end of a fixed formation rake of coaches is similar to the Intercity 125 high speed trains in Great Britain (and their Australian XPT offspring.
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The configuration of the trains, with a single ended, streamlined locomotive at either end of a fixed formation rake of coaches is similar to the Intercity 125 high speed trains in Great Britain (and their Australian XPT offspring.
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-tommywars4067
Modern high speed rail operators around the world have lowering signal gates on both sides of the road so it's not possible to drive around them. But Brightline prefers to smash their engines into cars instead of doing the obvious.
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Modern high speed rail operators around the world have lowering signal gates on both sides of the road so it's not possible to drive around them. But Brightline prefers to smash their engines into cars instead of doing the obvious.
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-johanrebel
Brightline also has near perfect record for collision fatalities. I believe the number so far during its brief existence comes to 46. That beats all other raiil operators hands down. Most of the fatalities are apparently suicides.
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Brightline also has near perfect record for collision fatalities. I believe the number so far during its brief existence comes to 46. That beats all other raiil operators hands down. Most of the fatalities are apparently suicides.
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-John_259
Progress, certainly. But it's got a long way to go to match Europe, and even further to match Southeast Asia. Sharing tracks with freight, having level crossings, and using diesel power are all many decades behind the times.
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Progress, certainly. But it's got a long way to go to match Europe, and even further to match Southeast Asia. Sharing tracks with freight, having level crossings, and using diesel power are all many decades behind the times.
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train
Wow. Nice! And, a driver to take you to your destination within 5 miles? I've never seen that before. Seems like a decent cost for all that's included. Thanks for the ride! Greetings from Cambodia.
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Wow. Nice! And, a driver to take you to your destination within 5 miles? I've never seen that before. Seems like a decent cost for all that's included. Thanks for the ride! Greetings from Cambodia.
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-kolejdood8654
The station and customer service look amazing. You can tell that Brightline put a lot of effort into this, therefore I hope more people will start using trains instead of cars in the us
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The station and customer service look amazing. You can tell that Brightline put a lot of effort into this, therefore I hope more people will start using trains instead of cars in the us
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-mx338
Perfect implies complete with no way to improve, this a leap for this area, but it certainly isn't perfect and sill needs to catch up with with the services in West Europe and East Asia.
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Perfect implies complete with no way to improve, this a leap for this area, but it certainly isn't perfect and sill needs to catch up with with the services in West Europe and East Asia.
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-CityLifeinAmerica
How are the regular public transit though? If that isn-t good you can-t just get off this and explore the city that well. I know Miami has decent transit. But Ft Lauderdale?
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How are the regular public transit though? If that isn-t good you can-t just get off this and explore the city that well. I know Miami has decent transit. But Ft Lauderdale?
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-NicholasNormand
i haven't tried Brightline cause I'm not in Florida so if I go to Florida I'll try it but i live in louisiana the only train service here is Amtrak with the sunset limited
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i haven't tried Brightline cause I'm not in Florida so if I go to Florida I'll try it but i live in louisiana the only train service here is Amtrak with the sunset limited
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train
This is certainly what we need in -- in the province of Ontario instead of the slow and unreliable VIA rail business between major business. Lets open it up to the competition now!
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This is certainly what we need in -- in the province of Ontario instead of the slow and unreliable VIA rail business between major business. Lets open it up to the competition now!
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-hectorheslop9397
Whose idea was it to make train travel more comparable to air travel? . I think it-s a big plus for the environment and a negative for green house gas emissions.
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Whose idea was it to make train travel more comparable to air travel? . I think it-s a big plus for the environment and a negative for green house gas emissions.
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train
The next phase of an almost high speed rail project would be Amtrak rebuilding the Lackawanna Cut Off in NJ. Only one grade crossing. Trai s used to hit 70 mph in 1940.
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The next phase of an almost high speed rail project would be Amtrak rebuilding the Lackawanna Cut Off in NJ. Only one grade crossing. Trai s used to hit 70 mph in 1940.
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-joefroelich4934
I live in Melbourne. I would take the train to Orlando, Disney or Miami rather than drive. I have rode on the Shinkansen in Japan it looks very similar.
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I live in Melbourne. I would take the train to Orlando, Disney or Miami rather than drive. I have rode on the Shinkansen in Japan it looks very similar.
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train
Not so much. I am a fan of Brightline but it can hardly be described as -perfect- with all those grade crossings, as events of the past two weeks demonstrate.
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Not so much. I am a fan of Brightline but it can hardly be described as -perfect- with all those grade crossings, as events of the past two weeks demonstrate.
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-ncard00
Do a trip report again when the orlando extension opens, in premium class, by then, they should-ve introduced more than just snacks onboard, but we-ll see.
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Do a trip report again when the orlando extension opens, in premium class, by then, they should-ve introduced more than just snacks onboard, but we-ll see.
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-jackgallagher121
It-s honestly pretty sad that this company is taking such a bad wrap because people won-t follow the rules and just stay off the tracks
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It-s honestly pretty sad that this company is taking such a bad wrap because people won-t follow the rules and just stay off the tracks
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-ausabl
Wanted to ride it but it always was more expensive to ride then to drive my own car with other people from wpb to Miami. 37 dollars is pricy.
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Wanted to ride it but it always was more expensive to ride then to drive my own car with other people from wpb to Miami. 37 dollars is pricy.
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