Next Stop: Accessibility! Watch AARP Volunteers Experience Florida's Brightline

In November, AARP Orlando volunteers flooded the Brightline high-speed train platform in a sea of red as part of our ongoing transportation series in partnership with Mpact, a national nonprofit focused on creating stronger communities by connecting them with public transportation. The event showcased the importance of rail as a vital transportation option for older adults. Today’s adventure? A round-trip journey on Florida’s Brightline transportation system to West Palm Beach.

Over the past two years, AARP Florida has participated in transportation tours across Central from Lynx buses and Sunrail to the Brightline, which now connects Orlando to West Palm Beach and Miami.

By highlighting just a few forms of public transportation through this interactive series, AARP Florida and Mpact hope to boost the confidence of older adults by showing them that there are alternative ways to travel safely and comfortably across our state.

“At Mpact, we believe transit, mobility, land use, and development work best when they work together to create better lives and brighter futures. Strengthening communities through public transportation means making the system easy to use and welcoming—especially for older adults,” explains Kammy Horne, Mpact CEO. “Events like today’s Brightline ride-along help people feel comfortable, build connections, and discover new opportunities, especially when driving isn’t an option. Beyond meeting basic needs, public transit opens doors to connection, independence, and a higher quality of life.”

Accessible transportation is a cornerstone of AARP Florida’s Livable Communities framework because it enables people of all ages — especially older adults — to remain independent, connected, and fully engaged in community life. If driving is not a viable option, reliable, age-friendly transportation methods help older adults get where they need – or want – to go with assurance. Accessible and easy-to-use transportation not only supports healthy aging but also strengthens social participation and economic opportunity, reducing isolation and improving overall quality of life.

AARP Florida and Mpact selected a group of interested volunteers to tour the Orlando and West Palm Beach Brightline stations and enjoy a round-trip train ride. Here are some of their thoughts about the experience:

• The Brightline trains were extremely accessible, with spacious seats, wide aisles, and accessible restrooms. 
  
• Both the Orlando and West Palm Beach stations promoted age-friendly living. The West Palm Beach station surprised many with its accessible restaurants, hotels, bike rentals, and rideshare options all just steps away; there was even a complementary, mobile city tour available. 
  
• Would riders go on another Brightline ride? YES! AARP Orlando volunteers considered Brightline as a safe, clean, and efficient travel method for older adults, providing them with the knowledge that aging does not limit mobility across Florida.  
  

“The ease on travel via Brightline will make it much better for me to visit my family in other parts of Florida without driving,” explains Hilda Diaz, AARP Orlando Volunteer.

By continuing to spotlight transportation options that are safe, accessible, and inviting for people of all ages, AARP Florida is helping communities envision what true mobility freedom looks like. Whether through hands-on audits, educational partnerships like our work with Mpact, or advocacy for smarter transit investments, we remain dedicated to building a Florida where older adults can travel confidently, stay connected, and fully participate in the places they love. For more information, visit aarp.org/FLLivable.

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