Brightline received the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management for its trains and stations as awarded by the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™), the organization that oversees the world’s premier framework for advancing health and well-being in buildings and communities of all kinds.
Informed by the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) and more than 600 experts from the Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections, the rating recognizes Brightline’s efforts to help protect the health, safety and well-being of its guests and teammates on trains and in stations and its commitment to building a sustainable and environmentally-forward high-speed train service in the U.S.
“Since our inception, Brightline has been committed to leading the industry in cleanliness standards and protocols that enhance the safety of our guests and teammates, and we are honored to be the first train in the world to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating,” said Brightline President Patrick Goddard. “This recognition also validates our overall effort to provide a clean and safer ride to everyone onboard our trains and visiting our facilities. From supporting the use of solar power at our stations, to working toward operating completely carbon-free rides, we know every choice has an impact and we are proud of our substantial strong record.”
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and facility types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans. Brightline has received this designation based upon demonstrating that the company’s trains and stations meet up to 15 operational protocols.
Protocols include:
- Air Quality: Continuous virus, pathogen and air quality treatment, Brightline’s on-train air systems, supported by Siemens Technology, have the ability to mechanically increase fresh air supply and reduce human and product generated air pollution to improve indoor air quality.
- Safety Features: Robust emergency preparedness and response measures, including provision of resources, personnel and training that supports the teammates' and guests' response to diverse emergency situations. This also includes having a post-emergency plan for maintenance and sanitation protocols, access to PPE, phased re-entry and ongoing evaluation of health and safety protocols in trains and stations.
- Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures: Inventory of cleaning products that contain less hazardous ingredients in an effort to reduce the risk of respiratory and dermal symptoms of teammates and guests. Brightline coaches also feature touchless hygiene, including a touchless flush and a Dyson faucet that both dispenses water and dries hands from the same fixture, eliminating water dripping onto the floor.
“Feeling safe while we travel is paramount. In being the first train company to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Brightline demonstrates a clear commitment to protocols that put people first as they move from point A to B,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO, IWBI. “With this achievement, Brightline is leading the way for transportation providers by helping their customers feel more confident stepping on board.”
Brightline trains and stations will soon display the WELL Health-Safety seal communicating to guests and teammates that the public spaces are operated and maintained by evidence-based measures and best practices for safety that have been third-party verified. Brightline joins a list of like-minded companies to receive a WELL Health-Safety rating, including 1 Hotels and Planet Fitness.
“The determination in achieving this rating, which has never been accomplished by any moving structure, displays the innovative and collaborative spirit that we continuously promote at Brightline,” said Denaye Hinds, director of sustainability, Brightline. “Health, safety and well-being components contribute significantly to sustainability, and we will continue to push the boundaries of how this creates a positive environmental impact for rail and transportation as an industry.”
