Tri-Rail closer to getting services into MiamiCentral
Posted: 17 November 2022 | Elliot Robinson (Editorial Assistant - Global Railway Review) | No comments yet
Following a Tri-Party Agreement, SFRTA engineers are to begin training and testing for the implementation of Tri-Rail trains at MiamiCentral Station.


The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) received a signed Tri-Party Agreement, with Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway and Brightline, that gives permission for SFRTA personnel to begin training and testing for the implementation of Tri-Rail services at MiamiCentral Station. The agreement shows progress in the ongoing negotiations for SFRTA to operate Tri-Rail trains on the approximate eight-mile span of the FEC Corridor that connects with the South Florida Rail Corridor and opens the door for Tri-Rail trains to test at MiamiCentral Station.
The agreement was achieved two-and-a-half months after David Dech was named the new Executive Director for SFRTA. Dech was hired namely for his management experience opening rail stations, leading public-private partnerships and negotiating with host and tenant railroads. He brings experience running commuter rail for a public agency and holding senior positions for freight railroads in the private sector.
Related news you will enjoy:
USDOT announces $59 million to improve railway crossing safety in four U.S. states
Brightline welcome Bright Green 2 and Bright Pink 2 to fleet
“This latest milestone was made possible thanks to the building of a great partnership that has been key to move things forward,” David Dech, Executive Director for SFRTA, said. “One of my main goals when arriving in South Florida was to ensure we were having quality conversations with our partners at Brightline and the FEC, knowing it is the only way we are going to get through the hurdles that have been holding us up.”
SFRTA Engineers and conductors will be trained and furnished to operate Tri-Rail trains on the FEC Corridor, for route familiarisation, testing of power units and checking rides. Upon completion of the qualifications, they will then be authorised to train additional SFRTA employees. Testing of Automatic Train Control (ATC) and Positive Train Control (PTC) technology will also begin during this process, ensuring Tri-Rail trains meet the requirements set on the FEC Corridor.
The plans for SFRTA personnel and equipment to begin training and testing was approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and all the signed parties.
OUT NOW: The Definitive Guide to Rail’s Digital Future
The rail industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and you need to be ready. We have released our latest market report, “Track Insight: Digitalisation.”
This is not just another report; it’s your comprehensive guide to understanding and leveraging the profound technological shifts reshaping our industry. We move beyond the buzzwords to show you the tangible realities of AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics in rail.
Discover how to:
- Optimise operations and maintenance with real-time insights.
- Enhance passenger services through seamless, high-speed connectivity.
- Leverage technologies like LEO satellites to improve safety and efficiency.
Featuring expert analysis from leaders at Nomad Digital, Lucchini RS, Bentley Systems and more, this is a must-read for any rail professional.
Related topics
Automatic Train Operation/Autonomous Train Control (ATO/ATC), Infrastructure Developments, Positive Train Control (PTC), Regulation & Legislation, Route Development, Station Developments, The Workforce, Training & Development
Related organisations
Brightline, Florida East Coast Railway, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), Tri-Rail