Miami-Dade to Raise Metrorail and Bus Fares for the First Time in Over a Decade

The Miami-Dade Commission has approved a 50-cent fare increase for Metrobus and Metrorail, raising the cost from $2.25 to $2.75 per trip starting January 1, 2027.

This decision, passed with a 9-4 vote and spearheaded by Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, marks the first fare hike in 13 years. The aim is to generate funds to mitigate anticipated cuts to public transportation services, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.

"This is a lifeline," stated Mayor Daniella Levine Cava following the vote.

The fare increase, along with a minor adjustment in Metrorail's midday service frequency, is expected to generate approximately $9.2 million to restore bus services, according to an official memo from Mayor Levine Cava accessed by the Miami Herald. Of this amount, about $8.41 million would come from the increased fares, with $740,000 in operational savings from the train system.

This funding will help sustain six routes that were slated for complete elimination—279, 42, 16, 70, 25, and 57—and preserve nighttime services on seven others: 11, 79, 77, 3, 9, 27, and 36. Together, these services cater to an average of 4,211 passengers on a typical workday.

Nevertheless, other service cuts will persist, impacting around 3,089 daily users, including those in areas like Hialeah and Little Havana, where many families rely heavily on public transit to commute to work.

The Department of Transportation identified low-demand services that will still be eliminated regardless of the fare increase, collectively serving about 252 daily passengers.

"If you're on the first or last bus, it's because you have no other choice," Gilbert emphasized on the importance of maintaining those routes.

The county's budget for 2026-2027 had already allocated $12.5 million to reinstate early morning bus services across 45 routes, while considering a fare increase as a potential revenue source to also safeguard nighttime routes.

For daily commuters, the cumulative impact of the fare hike could be significant. During the public comment period, one rider estimated that taking Metrorail twice daily would result in an additional $240 annually with the new fare, as noted by WSVN.

However, the county clarified that free or subsidized benefits for veterans, students, and seniors will remain unchanged in 2027. Mayor Levine Cava also announced an outreach campaign to educate passengers about available free transit programs for which they might qualify.

Metromover Debate

The vote also sparked discussion about the Metromover, which remains free despite the fare increase for Metrobus and Metrorail.

"We hike the price by 50 cents for bus riders while those with higher incomes can ride Metromover for free," questioned Commissioner Kionne McGhee.

Commissioner Raquel Regalado successfully added a measure requiring the mayor to present a plan to assess charging for Metromover. For now, the service will stay free until the Commission makes a specific decision.

Even with the fare increase, financial challenges for the system persist. Passenger fares cover less than 15% of total costs, leaving Miami-Dade reliant on other revenue streams and reserves to support public transportation.

For lower-income households, an alternative is available: county residents with annual incomes under $35,910 can apply for a free EASY Card, allowing them to travel at no cost on Metrobus and Metrorail.