Miami-Dade Transit
| Company type | Public agency |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Predecessor | Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Headquarters | Miami , United States |
Area served | Miami-Dade County, Florida |
Key people | Ysela Llort (oversight as of 2011) |
| Products | Metrobus, Metrorail, Metromover, Paratransit (STS) |
Number of employees | 4000+ |
| Parent | Miami-Dade County |
| Website | www |
Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) serves as the main public transit provider for Miami, Florida, and the surrounding Miami-Dade County region. It ranks as the largest transit system in Florida and is the 15th-largest nationwide. Annually, MDT accommodates approximately trips, with weekday averages reaching . The agency operates the extensive Metrobus system, which includes over 93 routes such as the South-Dade Transitway, along with paratransit services under STS managed by LSF. Additionally, MDT oversees two rail networks: Metrorail and Metromover.
Major transit centers include the Government Center in Downtown Miami and the Miami Intermodal Center located in Grapeland Heights, which connects to Miami International Airport. The Metrorail system consists of two lines, Green and Orange, spanning 23 stations that link downtown with northern and southern neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Metromover operates three loops with 22 stations serving Downtown, Omni, and Brickell. The introduction of the Metrorail Orange Line in 2012 significantly increased ridership figures. In 2013, revenue from rail fares reached $23 million annually, against operating expenses totaling $78 million.
Although Tri-Rail, a regional commuter rail service, functions independently from MDT, it interfaces with MDT at several points: the Tri-Rail and Metrorail Transfer station, Miami Intermodal Center, and Government Center station.
History
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) was created by the Dade County Commission in 1960 to consolidate transit operations across the county. This included integrating services from Miami Transit Company, Miami Beach Railway Company, South Miami Coach Lines, and Keys Transit Company. Initially overseen by National City Management Company until its dismissal in 1974, the MTA underwent various administrative changes before evolving into the current Miami-Dade Transit (MDT).
With a workforce exceeding 4,000 employees, MDT stands as Florida’s largest transit agency and is responsible for over half of all public transit trips within the state. Its integrated network features more than 93 Metrobus routes, a 22-mile Metrorail rapid transit line, a complimentary Downtown Metromover system, and Special Transportation Service (STS) for paratransit needs. Metrobus routes collectively cover over 35 million miles each year and provide limited service extending into Broward and Monroe counties. In 2004 alone, MDT transported upwards of 96 million passengers across its various services, marking an increase from 85 million the previous year.
2011 federal investigation
Between 2010 and 2011, MDT was subject to an investigation by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which involved audits and a criminal inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement. As a result, federal funding was suspended, putting $185 million in grants at risk and raising concerns about potential emergency service reductions affecting Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metromover operations. The county manager attributed these challenges to accounting mistakes and managerial shortcomings rather than intentional fraud. Shortly after the FTA imposed withdrawal restrictions, a contentious $15 million transaction occurred through the ECHO program.
Following the resignation of director Harpal Kapoor in April 2011, assistant county manager Ysela Llort took over oversight of MDT. The suspension of federal funds also endangered financing for the Metrorail airport connection project. Eventually, the FTA restored funding under stringent conditions designed to prevent any service cutbacks.
MDT’s administrative offices are situated within the Overtown Transit Village in Downtown Miami.
The SMART Initiative
The Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Initiative envisions five rapid transit corridors throughout Miami-Dade County, aiming to expand the existing Metrorail and Metromover networks while incorporating new rapid transit options such as bus rapid transit (BRT).
South-Dade Transitway (Bus Rapid Transit)
The South-Dade Transitway is set to become a premier BRT corridor featuring two termini and fourteen newly constructed stations equipped with fare gates, center platform boarding, all-door and level boarding capabilities, real-time bus arrival displays, climate-controlled waiting areas, and amenities comparable to rail systems. Key intersections will benefit from signal priority and level crossing gates. The service will deploy 60-foot New Flyer Xcelsior articulated electric buses powered by batteries. The project aims for completion by 2025.
North Corridor (Metrorail Extension)
The North Corridor project plans to extend the Metrorail line along NW 27 Avenue, stretching from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza station up to the northern boundary of the county in two stages. The first phase will reach Hard Rock Stadium with an intermediate stop at Miami-Dade College North Campus; the second phase will add eight additional stations to finalize the extension.
Northeast Corridor (Commuter Rail)
The Northeast Corridor proposes a commuter rail service, potentially operated by Tri-Rail, running from MiamiCentral to Aventura station via existing Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) tracks. This corridor will include seven stops within Miami-Dade County and feature terminal connections to Brightline. Service commencement is anticipated as early as 2032.
East-West Corridor (Bus Rapid Transit)
The East-West Corridor encompasses three BRT routes operating on exclusive lanes, connecting Tamiami Terminal with the Miami Intermodal Center and Government Center. One route primarily follows SR 836, incorporating four stations along its path.
In April 2023, the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) redirected efforts from BRT toward commuter rail on the CSX Lehigh Spur, citing enhanced cost-effectiveness and feasibility. By January 2024, the TPO progressed plans for commuter rail alongside a potential Metromover extension along Flagler Street.
Beach Corridor (Metromover Extensions and Dedicated Bus/Trolley Lanes)
The Beach Corridor includes three key rapid transit projects. The first extends Metromover service along Miami Avenue from the School Board station northward to NW 41st Street. The second project, known as BayLink, proposes a Metromover extension along the southern side of the MacArthur Causeway reaching Miami Beach, with several stations planned en route and a targeted launch by 2028. The third initiative introduces dedicated lanes for buses and trolleys along Washington Avenue, spanning from 5th Street to the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Resilient305
Resilient305 represents Miami-Dade County’s sustainability strategy focused on improving public transit to alleviate congestion and lower emissions while providing efficient and environmentally responsible travel options. This effort includes a decade-long Transit Development Plan (TDP) aimed at delivering dependable, safe, and clean transportation by aligning funding, community priorities, and service quality standards.
Metrorail
Metrorail is an elevated heavy rail rapid transit system consisting of two lines that cover a total of 24 miles of track. It extends westward, terminating at Miami International Airport near Hialeah and reaching south to Kendall.
This system links major urban hubs such as Miami International Airport, the Health District, Downtown Miami, and Brickell with northern communities including Hialeah and Medley. It also serves suburban neighborhoods like The Roads, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and South Miami, concluding at Dadeland South in Kendall.
Metromover
Metromover is a complimentary elevated automated people mover operating on three distinct loops: Downtown Inner Loop, Brickell Loop, and Omni Loop. Spanning 4.4 miles with 22 stations spaced approximately every two blocks, it provides service throughout Downtown Miami neighborhoods including the Arts & Entertainment District, Brickell, Park West, and Overtown.
Metrobus
The Metrobus system functions year-round throughout Miami-Dade County with roughly 93 routes and a fleet of 880 buses. It also extends service into portions of southern Broward County. Seven routes provide continuous 24-hour operation: Routes 3, 11, 27A, 38, 77, 79 (which terminates at Northside Station without overnight service to Hialeah), and 100. Additional overnight services include Routes 400 South Owl (county-operated) and 401 North Owl (operated by LSF), running from midnight until 5 a.m. Most other routes operate between approximately 4:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. All buses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and offer wheelchair access; nearly all vehicles are equipped with bicycle racks.
Route 301 (Dade-Monroe Express) extends into Monroe County reaching Marathon and allows transfers to Key West Transit for travel further into the Florida Keys. With appropriate transfers, passengers can utilize public transit to journey from Key West to Jupiter.
Paratransit (STS)
Paratransit/Special Transportation Services (STS) delivers shared-ride door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use Metrobus, Metrorail, or Metromover. Operating around the clock across most of Miami-Dade County, parts of southern Broward County, and the central/northern Florida Keys, STS charges $3.50 per one-way trip and is managed by a private contractor.
Rates
Since October 2009, fare collection for Miami-Dade Transit has been conducted through the EASY Card system. Paper transfers were eliminated in December 2009; free bus-to-bus transfers require an EASY Card or Ticket used within a three-hour window.
- EASY Cards are sold for $2 and can be purchased or reloaded at sales locations, vending machines in Metrorail stations, by phone, or online. These durable plastic cards have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
- EASY Tickets have no purchase fee but are restricted to the fare type initially loaded and expire after 60 days; they cannot be bought online or by phone.
- Cash payments necessitate paying full fare on transfers since paper transfers are no longer issued.
The standard fare is $2.25 while reduced fares are $1.10. Monthly passes cost $112.50 for standard riders and $56.25 for college students using EASY Cards. Metrorail fare gates accept only EASY Cards/Tickets or contactless payment options—cash is not accepted.
Reduced fares are available to Medicare beneficiaries, persons with disabilities, and K-12 students; children under six ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Full-time college students may acquire a College EASY Ticket for $56.25 upon presenting valid identification. Miami-Dade County employees benefit from discounted monthly rates via payroll deduction.
Seniors aged 65 and older receiving Social Security benefits ride free using the Golden Passport pass; veterans with income below $22,000 annually qualify for free rides through the Patriot Passport pass.
Since August and December of 2019 respectively, riders have been able to pay fares using smartphones or smartwatches as well as contactless credit/debit cards via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Fitbit Pay.
Under the Better Bus Routes initiative redesign, all transit fares are currently suspended through the end of the year.
Finances
In 2018, Miami-Dade Transit reported annual operating costs totaling $552 million, while generating $106 million in revenue. The average expense per passenger trip was calculated at $6.77. Single-ride fares were set at $2.25 for both Metrobus and Metrorail services, whereas Metromover trips continued to be complimentary.
Passenger ridership
As of February 2011, Miami-Dade Transit accommodated an average of 336,067 passengers each day across its Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus networks, accounting for 15% of the county’s population utilizing public transit daily (excluding Tri-Rail). Following the launch of Uber, there was a consistent yearly decrease in ridership, most notably affecting bus services, with 2018 figures dropping below those recorded in 1999. That same year witnessed earlier evening closures for Metrorail and Metromover operations, a 4% reduction in the peak fleet size, and a decrease of 2 million service miles.
Annual passenger ridership
| Year | Metrobus | Metrorail | Metromover | Total ridership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 61,516,400 | 14,445,400 | 4,168,600 | 80,130,400 |
| 1996 | 60,466,700 | 14,245,000 | 3,847,400 | 78,559,100 |
| 1997 | 62,344,200 | 13,923,700 | 4,175,200 | 80,443,100 |
| 1998 | 62,358,100 | 13,298,900 | 4,064,900 | 79,721,900 |
| 1999 | 64,252,400 | 13,769,400 | 4,069,700 | 82,091,500 |
| 2000 | 65,689,800 | 14,023,600 | 4,256,500 | 83,969,900 |
| 2001 | 65,067,100 | 13,678,000 | 4,951,800 | 83,696,900 |
| 2002 | 63,423,500 | 13,932,100 | 5,171,700 | 82,527,300 |
| 2003 | 65,046,900 | 14,318,500 | 6,978,900 | 86,344,300 |
| 2004 | 77,909,300 | 15,987,600 | 8,686,300 | 102 ,583 ,200 |
| 2005 | 78 ,373 ,000 | 17 ,001 ,000 | 8 ,537 ,500 | 103 ,911 ,500 |
| 2006 | 83 ,080 ,500 | 17 ,388 ,100 | 8 ,389 ,500 | 108 ,858 ,100 |
| 2007 | 84 ,218 ,300 | 17 ,672 ,000 | 8 ,838 ,800 | 110 ,729 ,100 |
| 2008 | 86 ,409 ,200* | 19 ,075 ,900* | 8 ,723 ,700 | 114 ,208 ,800* |
| 2009 | 73 ,104 ,900 | 17 ,792 ,100 | 7 ,986 ,100 | 98 ,883 ,100 |
| 2010 | 70 ,942 ,000 | 17 ,438 ,400 | 8 ,121 ,000 | 96 ,501 ,400 |
| 2011 | 76 ,858 ,200 | 18 ,295 ,500 | 9 ,219 ,600* | 104 ,373 ,300 |
| 2016 | – | – | – | 96 ,228 ,800 |
| 2018 | – | – | – | 81 600 000 |
* Denotes record peaks
Average weekday passenger ridership
}See also
External links
- Miami-Dade Transportation & Public Works
- Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust
- APTA Ridership Data
| Year | Metrobus | Metrorail | Metromover | Total daily passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 207 048 | 44 871 | 13 269 | 265 188 |
| 1999 | 209 111 | 46 774 | 13 880 | 269 765 |
| 2000 | 212 927 | 47 256 | 14 383 | 274 566 |
| 2001 | 211 823 | 46 664 | 16 849 | 275 336 |
| 2002 | 204 941 | 47 064 | 16 444 | 268 449 |
| 2003 | 215 306 | 51 248 | 25 521 | 292 076 |
| 2004 | 234 109 | 55 294 | 28 192 | 317 595 |
| 2005 | 246 023 | 59 700 | 28 473 | 334 195 |
| 2006 | 259 375 | 58 358 | 27 042 | 344 775 |
| 2007 | 264 467 (record high) |
59 708 | 28 058 | 352 233 (record high) |
| 2008 | 259 018 | 63 710 (record high) |
26 682 | 349 410 |
| 2009 | 233 858 | 59 992 | 25 883 | 319 733 |
| 2010 | 227 883 | 59 900 | 27 175 | 314 958 |
| 2011 | 245 358 | 62 559 | 29 775 (record high) |
337 692 |