Miami traffic is getting worse. Now voters can decide whether expanding rapid mass transit is the solution.
Why it matters: A yes vote on Tuesday's county referendum would signal to commissioners that they should move ahead on expansions of Metrorail and Metromover long promised to voters.
What they're saying: Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who co-sponsored the referendum, tells Axios that a big show of community support could help the county secure state and federal funding for the pricey projects.
- While the ballot question is nonbinding, Higgins says it's a gut check for the commission.
- "I think this will affirm loudly and clearly that people are tired of being stuck in traffic and they want our community to implement rapid mass transit."
State of play: The county's first new rapid transit corridor, a 20-mile bus route in South Dade, is expected to open April 2025.
🚇 The Northeast corridor extension , which would connect downtown to Aventura with stops in Wynwood and more, has been recommended for $263.7 million in federal funding by the Biden administration.
The North corridor extension , which would stretch past Hard Rock Stadium toward the county line, is being studied by the state, Higgins says.
- The state is also still reviewing proposals for the Baylink to South Beach and the Metromover extension to FIU along Flagler Street, she adds.
By the numbers: Elevated rail in particular is being pitched as a way to cut down commutes.
Flashback: It's been over 20 years since voters were promised Metrorail extensions as part of the half-penny transit tax, but the commuter rail hasn't been extended since the Miami International Airport stop came online in 2012 .
- Promises of a north corridor extension date back to the 1970s, when voters were pitched on building the Metrorail.
Context: Higgins said "transit planning was not prioritized" during previous administrations, but the current board is ready to charge ahead.
- The half-penny tax has been used to develop transit projects, but it's not enough to fund the system.
- "We will be able to build these projects. We have a commission that is committed to not just talking about transit — we want this fixed."
What's next: Higgins says a general obligation bond may be needed to provide additional funding.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the proposed Baylink across the MacArthur Causeway is expected to take 15 minutes (not save 15 minutes compared to driving).
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