Images give us sneak peek at ‘people mover’ and ‘light rail’ projects planned in Broward

A fleet of automated shuttles, known as “people movers,” are seen in one rendering taking South Florida travelers to their destinations. They would move across elevated tracks near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, offering one more convenient transit method.

In another rendering, a transit project is seen similarly moving people across elevated tracks near Port Everglades. High in the air, commuters needing to zip from one spot to another — to get from their hotel to their cruise, or elsewhere — will be transported much faster.

These images, obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, help envision what’s to come for such local projects. Sure, other communities began using such “people mover” or rail services long ago. But these transit projects planned for Broward would now be more modern, county officials say.

“We’re a little late getting it,” Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr said about plans for two kinds of transit systems. “Most other airports of our size have people movers. The good thing is we get to learn from them, and ours gets to be the most modern.

“It’s not always bad being last.”

Here’s a look at the plans.

The people mover

The elevated Automated People Mover will be 60 to 65 feet above ground, and will shuttle travelers around Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and connect into the Intermodal Center — a future hub for a parking garage, spot for buses and taxis and ultimately maybe even a Brightline stop.

Pending regulatory and funding approvals, construction is expected to start within two to four years for completion in 2030, according to airport spokeswoman Arlene Satchell.

The estimated distance of the people mover loop is 2.1 miles.

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The mover will first go on a U-shaped loop to various terminals, car rental facilities, and other areas of the airport such as the parking garage. The county also plans on building a pedestrian bridge that will connect the people mover and the airport’s future Terminal 5 .

Light rail

The light rail transit project will be a loop connection from the Broward County Convention Center and Port Everglades into the airport’s future Intermodal Center. Eventually, it could one day run west to Sawgrass Mills, according to the county’s mayor.

The light rail will be a 3.5-mile stretch. More than 130,000 people are expected to ride each year, and it could be completed by 2028.

It will also be built in the air, but county officials have not yet revealed the anticipated elevation.

“This is just so overdue,” said Mayor Nan Rich. “I’m so excited we’re moving ahead.”

Commissioner Michael Udine called the plans “very futuristic, convenient and cost effective.” He said tourists can get transportation “without having to step outside.” It will “pay dividends well into the future.”

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com . Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash