Brightline Florida’s April Revenue Up 32% From Prior Year

April revenue at Brightline, the private passenger railroad that runs from Miami to Orlando, rose 32% compared with the same month last year as first-class ridership increased and passengers paid more to check bags.

The Fortress Investment Group-backed railroad, which warned of insolvency three weeks ago, reported April revenue of $22.3 million. Ridership rose 20% to 292,626. Revenue from checked bags, Brightline’s fastest-growing income stream, doubled after the railroad increased average baggage charges 15%.

Brightline has added more first-class cars, increasing capacity on its more lucrative 235-mile long-haul route. Brightline’s Premium service includes free lounge access, priority boarding ...