Brightline has announced a partnership with Mears Transportation that will see the latter’s fleet “incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service . . . enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction.” As part of the partnership, Mears Transportation will power “Shared Connect Shuttle” and “Luxury Private Ride,” services that will offer transportation between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort.

Brightline, Mears Transportation Announce Partnership

The announcement coincides with the upcoming commencement of Brightline services between five South Florida stations and Orlando International Airport. Brightline will start to offer those services on September 22, its new partnership with Mears Transportation offering several ways for those who travel via Brightline to get to their ultimate destination.

Brightline launched in 2018 as a rail service connecting Miami and West Palm Beach. The line currently services five South Florida stations and will add Orlando International Airport to its offerings this week. Service will ultimately extend (close to) the borders of Walt Disney World Resort, as the company plans to build a Brightline station near Disney Springs. Plans for a Brightline station near the site of Universal’s forthcoming Epic Universe have also been revealed.

Mears Transportation is an Orlando-based transportation service that has long provided shuttles between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. It started offering Mears Connect in 2022 after Disney ended its Disney’s Magical Express Service. Mears Connect formally merged with Sunshine Flyer, a similar service, in August of this year.

Read the full press release from Brightline announcing the partnership below.

BRIGHTLINE ANNOUNCES ORLANDO TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS

Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health and various popular destinations within the region. The Mears Transportation fleet will be incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service, Brightline+, available on its mobile app and website, enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction. Additionally, Brightline guests wishing to reserve a car may enjoy special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.

The new Brightline+ Shared Connect Shuttle and Luxury Private Ride powered by Mears allow guests to effortlessly extend their journey by reserving transportation to and from Orlando International Airport’s Brightline train station. Reservations can be made during the booking process or added by modifying a trip closer to travel dates beginning October 4. Once booked, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers. 

“Last mile connectivity is an integral piece of the travel experience for our guests, Mears is the respected transportation leader in Central Florida and will be a valuable partner delivering our  Brightline+  service  in Orlando,” said Michael Lefevre, vice president of operations for Brightline. “Mears Transportation is familiar to Orlando travelers and a brand that aligns seamlessly with the level of hospitality our guests know and love.”  

“As an Orlando based company, we are excited to welcome Brightline to Orlando and the Brightline guests traveling to and from the Orlando Station,” said Rebecca K Horton COO – Mears Transportation Group. “What a great addition to the Orlando area, connecting people between South and Central Florida! Brightline guests will have the opportunity to use Mears Luxury & Mears Connect services, pending their destination. We are grateful for the partnership with Brightline and our team is eager to get started.”

BRIGHTLINE+ IN ORLANDO

• Shared Connect Shuttles Powered by Mears: Say hello to Orlando’s exclusive 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service. Effortlessly connect to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts. Exceptional convenience comes standard: one-way adult fares start at just $16, and child fares begin at $13. As a bonus, little adventurers aged 3 and under ride for free.
• Luxury Private Rides Powered by Mears: For guests seeking to elevate their Orlando travels to the level of luxury they’ve come to expect from Brightline+, we introduce Luxury Private Rides powered by Mears. Arrive in style at your Orlando destination aboard our carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans. Elegance is just a booking away, with rates starting at $63 per vehicle.

BRIGHTLINE+ IN SOUTH FLORIDA 

• Fixed Route Shuttles: offer pickup and dropoff service to and from Brightline MiamiCentral and Fort Lauderdale Stations with complimentary shuttles to and from Aventura Mall at Brightline Aventura Station. Shuttles depart 10 minutes after each train arrival.
• Airport Shuttles: bi-directional, fixed route shuttles provide pick ups at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) at a flat rate of $10 per person and can be paid upon boarding shuttles. Live Airport Connector shuttle status can be tracked here. 
• Neighborhood Electric Vehicles powered by Circuit: complimentary, all-electric, walk-up, first-and-last-mile shuttle with services around stations and nearby downtown areas in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. 
• Special Event Shuttles: offer complimentary direct service to select games and events including the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Inter Miami, Miami Dolphins and events at Hard Rock Stadium.
• Scooter rentals, BrightBike and CitiBike rentals are available at all south Florida stations.

Avis Car Rentals are now available in Orlando joining MiamiCentral, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura Mall Stations. In Orlando, guests can reserve a rental car available in Terminal C, a short walk from the Train Station. In addition to enjoying BrightLine preferred pricing, guests can manage their rental by downloading the Avis app.  

BRIGHTLINE+ UBER ORLANDO AND SOUTH FLORIDA

Riders can utilize private rides powered by Uber and its multiple mobility options in Central and South Florida, which can be reserved during the train booking process on the Brightline app or website. This Brightline+ service includes complimentary private rides available for PREMIUM ticket holders within a five-mile radius of all Brightline South Florida stations (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach). 

Brightline+ was launched in South Florida in 2021 to make it seamless for guests to connect to Brightline stations and surrounding destinations. For more information and details on Brightline+ including Orlando connectivity options visit gobrightline.com/mobility.

BRIGHTLINE ORLANDO TICKETS 

Tickets between Orlando and Miami are now on sale for travel through March 2024 with one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25 percent on SMART fares. One-way PREMIUM fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Purchase tickets now at  gobrightline.com.

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