South Dade Transitway Set to Begin Service in Summer

News Summary

The revamped South Dade Transitway is set to launch service this summer after facing numerous delays. Spanning 20 miles, it connects Dadeland South Metrorail Station to Florida City, introducing a Bus Rapid Transit system with modern amenities and electric buses. The project, part of the SMART Program, aims to enhance public transportation in Miami-Dade County, addressing community demand and improving transit options for residents and visitors.

South Dade Transitway Set to Begin Service in Summer After Years of Delays

The highly anticipated revamped South Dade Transitway is poised to begin service later this summer, bringing much-needed improvements to public transportation in the region. Spanning 20 miles, the route will connect the Dadeland South Metrorail Station to Florida City, offering residents and visitors an effective and efficient transportation option.

The transitway will provide a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service designed for speed and convenience, similar to the existing Metrorail system. It represents the first of six priority corridors in Miami-Dade’s Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program to reach the construction phase, demonstrating a significant step toward enhanced public transit infrastructure in the county.

From Delays to Development

Construction on the transitway began in 2021, with an initial goal to open the service by 2022. However, the project faced various setbacks, including delays linked to equipment testing, inconsistent electric bus deliveries, and interruptions caused by the global pandemic. As a result, the budget for the transitway has ballooned by over $100 million, now sitting at an estimated $368 million.

As part of this rollout, Miami-Dade has received 42 out of the 100 battery-electric buses ordered for the BRT system. The design and operations have focused on ensuring an efficient transit experience, with substantial completion of 14 new stations along the transitway and the integration of 90% of roadway intersections into the new system. This includes synchronized gate arms, updated traffic signals, and clear pavement markings to enhance traffic flow.

Modern Amenities for Riders

The upgraded service will introduce several modern amenities aimed at improving passenger convenience. This includes prepaid fares, level boarding platforms for easier access, and the exclusive use of 60-foot electric buses that promise a quiet, environmentally friendly ride. The BRT service is often referred to as ‘rail on rubber tires,’ emphasizing its ability to provide a train-like experience while utilizing bus technology.

As the South Dade Transitway prepares for operation, it will also set the stage for five other commuting corridors awaiting upgrades. Other routes included in the SMART Program consist of the North Corridor toward Hard Rock Stadium, the Beach Corridor headed to Miami Beach, an East-West Corridor to Tamiami Station, the Northeast Corridor to Aventura, and the Kendall Corridor. This broader program has been under consideration for about eight years, reflecting a persistent commitment to expanding accessible public transportation.

Community Support and Future Plans

Public sentiment has been positively inclined toward expanding transit options in Miami-Dade. A recent ballot measure indicated that approximately 78.5% of voters support enhancements to the Metrorail and commuter systems. As a result, expanding countywide rail service is projected to cost upwards of $6 billion, according to local officials.

In addition to improving transit options, some transit stations are being fitted with fare gates designed to minimize fare evasion and increase security for passengers. The overall aim of the renovation and upgrade of the South Dade Transitway is to meet the growing community demand for enhanced transit solutions.

As anticipation builds for the South Dade Transitway, the target opening date for the revamped service is set for July 21, 2025. It is expected that the new service will include both express and all-stop transit options, further improving flexibility for commuters and ensuring that residents have access to reliable and efficient transportation.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Construction FL Resources

Additional Resources

• Florida Politics: South Dade Transitway Upgrade Nears Completion
• Wikipedia: South Dade Transitway
• Miami Today News: South Dade Bus Rapid Transit Ready to Roll
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bus Rapid Transit
• Community Newspapers: South Dade Transitway Project Earns Envision Gold Award
• Google News: South Dade Transitway