Miami-Dade to Receive Large Funding Grant to Improve Public Transportation

Miami-Dade County residents will soon see some major improvements and upgrades to public transportation. The Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved its request for funding for the Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project and could receive up to $389.5 million in federal grants. This approval advances the project into the New Starts Engineering phase of the FTA Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program.

“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for continuing to support this critical project and our SMART Program to offer more affordable transportation options to our community,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The Northeast Corridor and its local commuter rail service will help reduce traffic and give many residents, especially in underserved areas, more options to access jobs, education and opportunities. This service will be a gamechanger for those who need it most as we continue building the future of transit in Miami-Dade.”

The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project is a cornerstone of Miami-Dade Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program, that address regional mobility needs by delivering safer, more efficient rapid transit solutions for residents and visitors through five key transit corridors. The project has received strong support throughout the planning phases, achieving a "Medium-High" rating from the FTA based on rigorous technical, financial, and legal evaluations.

“This announcement by the FTA marks a commitment to a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive Miami-Dade County. Whether it’s jobs, housing, or educational opportunities, the federal support for the Northeast Corridor will bring transformative change and make it easier for people to connect with what matters most in their lives,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert III.

“The Federal Transit Administration's $389 million pledge in Miami-Dade’s Northeast Corridor is a tremendous step forward in creating a modern, connected transit system that serves our residents and visitors," said Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “With stops in vibrant areas such as Wynwood, Little Haiti, and the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, expanding and improving our transit options will reduce traffic congestion, promote a cleaner environment, and provide thousands with better access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities. I am proud to advocate for this vital project alongside our partners and thank DTPW for their commitment to transforming how we move across Miami-Dade.”

The Northeast Corridor marks the first segment of the 85-mile Coastal Link commuter rail, aimed at connecting Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties. Spanning 13.5 miles, the project leverages the existing rail corridor shared with Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) freight services. The total capital cost of the project is estimated at $927.3 million. The $389.5 million federal grant accounts for 42% of the total funding.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has committed $200 million (22%), with the remaining funds provided by the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP), completing the local funding commitment. Together, these contributions ensure the project will move forward without financial obstacles, according to information from Miami-Dade County.