Question

A company called Brightline has made a deal with Disney to create a rail station at Disney Springs on its planned route from Miami to Tampa. Read about this. Is a private rail link a good idea? Will it make Amtrak function any better? Will it create openings for private sector rail owner/operators as was the case in the USA before Amtrak and as is the case in the UK where not all rail services are BritRail?

Answer 1

The answer for all three questions is yes.

A private player will increase competition and will make Amtrak provide a better service. Private companies are generally more efficient since their focus is on creating value.

Amtrak might benefit since the private rail might be used as additional help when their service is overloaded.

Increased competition and increase in private investment is always better for everyone since it creates new opportunities.