Metro Express Bus Service Now Running on South Dade TransitWay

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As a long-time resident and Realtor in the area, I know what it’s like to live here and I have seen so many changes in my many years serving my community.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava addressing the crowd at the Metro EXPRESS Grand Opening

Traffic continues to grow in Miami-Dade County. And with so many new people living in our paradise, we need to start doing transportation better. On October 22nd, there was a huge grand opening ceremony of the Metro EXPRESS bus service on the South Dade TransitWay. This service is additive to the local buses already on the TransitWay and provide limited-stop service. The Metro EXPRESS officially started on October 27.

Bus entering the station

Running from Dadeland to Florida City, the Metro EXPRESS is the longest all-electric bus rapid transit (BRT) system in the USA. With 20 miles of dedicated lanes and 14 state-of-the-art stations, we are paving the way for a shift in how we commute and get around.

Bus #1 ready to take a ceremonial trip south from the 152nd Street station

The new air-conditioned BRT stations feature level boarding, real-time arrival displays, free Wi-Fi, bike storage, and more. Metro Express delivers a roomier, more efficient and reliable ride on all-electric buses equipped with charging ports, bike racks inside the bus, and easy boarding through all doors.

Crossing gate arm lowers for safer bus traffic on the South Dade TransitWay

Adjustments to light cycles and other road improvements that give and prioritization to bus travel preceded the launch. Further, more than 20 crossing gate arms were deployed to increase safety along the TransitWay. The County expects 3-6 months of additional adjustments to be made to optimize traffic flow.

Ribbon-cutting with many politicians and department heads

The ceremony drew politicians and dignitaries, and was attended by many who worked on this years-long project. “They always say, build it and they will come,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Well, we built it. And now we’re going to make sure that everyone will come.”

DLC with cut ribbon in hand and a smile

County Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez stated the not so obvious, “Today is not about brand new beautiful bus stations. It is about enjoying your personal time and getting back family time. It’s about our community and our commute.”

The $300-million project was paid for the Federal and State governments at $100-million each and Miami-Dade County contributed $100-million as well. Much of that money came from the half-penny tax for mass transit that started in 2003.

Schedule screen inside the new bus station

Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez, the former mayor of Miami-Dade County, addressed those who really wanted a train instead of bus service. “You either got this, or you got nothing,” said Gimenez. “You were never going to get rail, because you don’t have the ridership and the federal government was never going to fund us for rail here. It’s a $2-$3 billion process, versus $300 million.

Besides the express service, anyone riding a bus on the South Dade TransitWay pays a single fare and then can transfer for free to the MetroRail train. Additionally, some local vendors and businesses are supporting the launch with discounts to those who show their proof of paid Metrobus fare.

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