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Most people may know that I’m a County Commissioner, but not everyone knows I'm also an avid transit rider. That’s why I am excited that our bus system recently got a whole lot better when Miami-Dade Transit rolled out the Better Bus Network - and service is FREE until December 31.
The bus system is the workhorse of our transit system. Last year, it provided a staggering 56 million rides. Tens of thousands of residents depend on the bus system to get them where they need to go. However, the system can be better. A thorough review of the bus network hasn’t been done in nearly 40 years. As our County has grown, the routes have become jumbled.
That’s why I sponsored the Better Bus Network (BBN), a bus redesign that began by talking to riders, analyzing bus routes, and crafting a new network that shortens commutes for tens of thousands of residents. BBN will improve service - and lives - in four key ways.
First, buses will arrive more frequently. 30% of residents now live within walking distance to a high-frequency route - which means a bus will arrive every 15 minutes or less all day long, not just during rush hour. Some routes will arrive every 10 minutes or even 7.5 minutes.
Second, weekend service will be better. As a bus rider, I know that infrequent Saturday and Sunday service can be discouraging. The BBN has drastically improved weekend service for people who have to work, rely on public transit, or simply prefer to get around without a car.
Third, connections to jobs will be quicker. With more frequency, connecting from one route to the other will be easier, and transferring from MetroRail will be quicker. By improving these connection times, the average resident now has access to 28% more job opportunities within 45 minutes.
Fourth, MetroConnect on-demand service expands. To ensure riders have access to reliable transit in lower density areas, the County has launched MetroConnect, a free on-demand service to complement bus service. This service operates like Uber, covering areas where fixed-route buses can be impractical.
If you’ve never tried the bus, now is the time to get on and ride. With more frequent service, it’s easier than ever. You’ll save money - no more gas, parking, tolls, or rideshare costs. You’ll save our planet - much of our fleet is electric. You’ll save stress - read a book, listen to a podcast, or call your mom.
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