New Electric Bus System Coming to South Dade

A new and innovative approach to transportation is coming to Miami-Dade County.

On Oct. 27, Miami-Dade will launch Metro Express, the nation’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the longest all-electric BRT service in the United States.

This new transportation system is designed to transform the way thousands of county residents move along the busy US-1 corridor. Metro Express offers South Dade commuters access to a brand-new, comfortable, and reliable transit connection from Florida City to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station.

To celebrate, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, members of the Board of County Commissioners, and the Department of Transportation and Public Works will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural bus ride on Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Running 20 miles along US-1 down to Florida City, Metro Express will operate on a dedicated lane protected by gate arms and prioritized during rush hour, connecting South Dade residents to key destinations including job centers, schools, parks, shopping areas, and other transit services.

“This milestone is an important step forward in Miami-Dade’s efforts to expand access to safe, reliable, more efficient public transportation, connecting our residents to additional opportunities throughout our community,” said Indira Almeida-Pardillo, spokesperson for Miami-Dade.

At the heart of the new Metro Express are 14 new signature BRT stations, which offer amenities such as air-conditioned waiting areas to provide comfort and protection from the weather, a modern design with ample shade, level boarding, bike-friendly transportation and storage, water fountains, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations for mobile devices. Riders will be able to pay before boarding, and there will be a new, enhanced experience for passengers.

Developed as part of the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit Program, the $300 million project was funded with $100 million investments by each of the partnering agencies: Miami-Dade County through the People’s Transportation half-penny surtax, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Federal Transit Administration through its capital program.