***NOTE: This webpage was last updated 29 August 2023. Please make sure to check the Miami-Dade Transit official website for the most current information and fares.***
Public Transportation in Miami can be difficult, primarily due to its limitations. The “First and Last Mile Problem” is the main hindrance to commuters using busses and metro in Miami. The challenge of getting to and from your home to a transportation stop (First and Last Mile) is often difficult due to the heat and lack of sidewalks.
Once you figure out that basic challenge, however, Miami-Dade Transit offers a great many advantages in moving throughout the city and beyond. Your first rides may be confusing and lengthy, but once you learn the routes an entirely new mobility will open up to you.
The advantages of riding public transportation are environmental (reduce your carbon footprint), economic (you save so much money), and productivity (work while you commute).
GO MIAMI-DADE TRANSIT APP
The first thing you should do is download the Go Miami-Dade Transit App. Through this App you purchase tickets and track busses.
“Buy a Transit Pass online in the Transit Store or by downloading the GO Miami-Dade app on your mobile phone. Transit Passes are also available at any Metrorail Station, Transit Service Center and Sales Outlet or by calling the EASY Card Financial Center. Discounts are available for Miami-Dade County employees, veterans, senior citizens, Medicare recipients, students and most people with disabilities.” https://www.miamidade.gov/global/transportation/transit-pass.page
1-DAY MOBILE PASS
A One Way Pass is $2.25. A 1-Day Mobile Pass is $5.65. In my experience it is almost always worth buying the the 1-Day pass. The 1-Day Pass provides unlimited transportation on the Metrorail and on MDT Busses.
EASY CARD OR EASY TICKET
You can also buy a plastic Easy Card or a paper Easy Ticket. I always have an EASY Pass with me, in case I’m only riding one-way. EASY tickets are OK for tourists, but not really useful because they are made of a flimsy paper. I have always avoided EASY tickets.
“EASY Card is the most convenient and secure way to pay for Metrorail or Metrobus fare. It’s durable, easy to use and has a 20-year life-span.” https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1519766209086486
“Visitors and people who are not frequent commuters can ride Transit with an EASY Ticket. EASY Tickets are free and can be loaded with a 1-Day Pass, 7-Day Pass or up to $40 in cash value. Tickets expire after 60 days. All sales are final.” https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1519847051955263
SOUTH DADE TRANSITWAY
This is one of the underused treasures of Miami. If you live in Southern Miami-Dade County, this dual bus/bike lane is invaluable. The Transitway features free Park and Ride lots and busses are on a designated lane. You will speed by rush hour as you work on your laptop.
MDT COLLEGE DISCOUNT PROGRAM
“Full time college, university, and vocational/technical school students may purchase a discounted 1-Month College Mobile Pass for ($56.25). The College Mobile Pass is valid for unlimited travel on Metrobus and Metrorail, as Metromover is free for everyone. The pass is calendar specific and expires at the end of each month. Students who take Metrorail may also purchase a monthly Metrorail parking permit for $11.25, with the purchase of the College Mobile Pass.” https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1520959388654796
MIAMI FIRST AND LAST MILE SOLUTIONS
MDT has proposed solutions to the First and Last Mile Problem so pervasive in South Florida. If you live close to US-1, you are in luck. You can easily walk to the Metrorail or the South Dade Transitway. If you live further away, try to find a Park and Ride Lot. Here is a list of them
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/transportation/metrobus-park-ride.page
Here is a list of proposed solutions to Miami-Dade’s First and Last Mile Problem.
May you have interesting journeys.
EDITORS AND LAST UPDATE
John William Bailly 29 August 2023
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