Brightline, McLaren Applied Partner to Bring Motorsport-Inspired Technology to Passenger Rail
Brightline is the first train operator worldwide to deploy this advanced hybrid technology at-scale, “enabling more reliable Wi-Fi connection, even at high speeds or in rural areas,” according to the intercity passenger railroad.
This, Brightline says, is made possible by McLaren Applied’s Fleet Connect software using the company’s 5G Edge Active Antenna and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications in a world first. “This innovation represents a leap forward in onboard communication, setting a new standard for passenger experience,” Brightline noted.
“Guests want fast and reliable Wi-Fi, and this unique partnership will deliver that,” said Brightline Chief Technology & Digital Innovation Officer Kevin McAuliffe. “Elevating the guest experience is at the center of everything we do and leveraging technology partnerships like McLaren Applied puts our guests in the driver’s seat when it comes to internet connectivity.”
The roots of this groundbreaking technology trace back to the highest level of motorsport. Two decades ago, McLaren Applied developed the software and hardware to overcome the challenge of real-time monitoring of sensors on Formula One race cars at speeds exceeding 200 mph. The result, the company says, was “a suite of high-performance connectivity solutions, including a unique software approach to optimize connectivity in every turn, resulting in near 100% coverage at the most challenging international racetracks.”
Now, McLaren Applied has developed a similar solution for Brightline and the result is Fleet Connect—a software already in large fleets worldwide—that facilitates seamless high-speed passenger Wi-Fi connections, as well as operator uplinks for operational, infrastructure, and safety purposes. In this occasion, Fleet Connect combines Starlink LEO Satcoms and 5G networks to eliminate blackspots, “offering a transformative hybrid connectivity solution only found on Brightline trains.”
“Rail networks had long struggled with onboard connectivity issues, especially on high-speed trains,” said Pablo Garcia, Director, Connected Intelligence at McLaren Applied. “Traditional systems can’t efficiently adapt to signal changes or network switching, leading to dropouts. McLaren Applied recognized the parallels between the challenges faced in motorsport and rail, applying expertise to bring a solution that provides the best link aggregation technology tailored to the unique demands of Brightline.”
In addition to the software, McLaren Applied has now “revolutionized” the hardware architecture used in connected trains, according to the company. This system is the first to remove routers and RF cables from the train. By integrating electronics on the antenna, the 5G Edge Active antenna “brings next generation performance, as well as lower cost and complexity.”
“These innovations were designed with the racing mindset: be ultra-reliable, lightweight, and resilient to high speeds and vibrations—attributes that seamlessly translate to rail applications,” continued Garcia,.
“As the first modern, intercity passenger rail in a century, we will continue to innovate and provide our guests the best experience possible,” added McAuliffe.
Brightline anticipates the McLaren Applied system will be operational on all trains by July 2025.
