Metro Express Bus Service Now Running
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Bridge and Traffic Circle Near Completion
In efforts to keep auto traffic flowing, two County projects are headed into the home stretch. Not only is it intended to keep traffic flowing, but also away from cut-through streets. The traffic circle on Old Cutler Road and SW 152 Street eliminates a light and a lot of frustration, particularly during school drive times. It has been open to traffic even during construction and Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer has already gotten great feedback from residents that traffic is flowing much better. The County has set a completion date for the end of November 2025.
The controversial 87th Avenue Bridge is also moving along. The County expects a May 2026 completion. The bridge connects the two disconnected sections of SW 87th Avenue between SW 164th Street and SW 163rd Terrace over the C-100 canal. It is believed this will stop a lot of cut-through traffic in other areas and provide a better north-south flow
Idyllic Palmetto Bay Family Home
16225 SW 88th Avenue Road, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 (MLS # A11823985). Now offered at $1,100,000
Wonderful family home on quiet street where all the neighbors know each other! 2,336 sq ft with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths on large 18,750 sq ft lot. This well-cared for and loved home features a field stone accent wall & impeccable wood floors, making it feel oh so homey! Beautiful view to pool from front door. LED recessed lights in the living room and kitchen.
Entertain and feed your inner chef! Kitchen with real wood cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and a pass-thru window to the covered and screened pool/patio area. New pool fence and fans. Extra-large, lush yard with fruit trees and fenced for dogs to run. Manicured lawn and layout make this the perfect yard for entertaining, play and relaxation. 2015 AC, 2010 roof, flat roof 2023. 2010 HWH. Wash/Dryer 2022. 2 car garage, alarm, and hurricane shutters (some electric) make this a great place to call home. Gorgeous glass closet doors. This home is Special!
Real Estate Update
As of 10/22/25, there were 148 properties for sale in Pinecrest, 15 homes pending sale and 6.4 months of inventory. If you’re ready to move, contact me to get the best local expertise, truthful guidance and realistic expectations. It’s easy to get started at miamihal.com/getstarted.
I invite you to view past episodes of my The MiamiHal Real Estate Show at miamihal.com/the-miamihal-real-estate-show to hear from experts and get the latest real estate news.
Hal Feldman (MiamiHal) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. You can contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
