FL: Miami-Dade Transit Celebrates 30 Years of Metrorail

Metrorail, Miami-Dade Transit’s elevated rapid transit system, is turning 30.

Since its inauguration on May 20, 1984, Metrorail has transported millions of people to their workplace, restaurants, hotels, entertainment centers, schools, and other popular destinations near the Metrorail line. 

In July 2012, Metrorail began its Orange Line service to the new, state-of-the-art Miami International Airport Station, connecting Metrorail to one of the biggest economic generators in the County – Miami International Airport.

When it first opened for service in 1984, Metrorail only had 10 stations and 11 miles of dual track. Today, Metrorail spans across 25 miles of dual track, with 23 stations that serve Kendall, South Miami, Coral Gables, downtown Miami, the Civic Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital area, Brownsville, Liberty City, Hialeah, and Medley, and provides a connection to Broward and Palm Beach counties via Tri-Rail at the Tri-Rail/Metrorail transfer station.

Last year, for the first time ever, Metrorail ridership broke the 21 million mark – a significant accomplishment for a system that began with approximately 6,000 daily passenger trips. Metrorail’s average daily ridership now stands at approximately 77,000.

“If we wish to continue the rapid economic growth that our region has sustained in the past decade, and do so in a way that makes sense, then Miami-Dade County must become a model for sustainable transportation, ” said Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Metrorail is an integral part of that goal, offering our residents greater mobility options that get them out of their cars, out of traffic, and where they need to go, greatly increasing the livability of our hometown.  I congratulate MDT and Metrorail on its 30th anniversary.”

“Metrorail has truly become an indispensable service for thousands of people who use it every day to commute to work, visit hospitals, go to court, and travel to and from the airport. Over the next 30 years, we expect to see even more residents and visitors use our system as new transportation connections are developed in downtown Miami and other areas throughout the County,” said Miami-Dade Transit Director Ysela Llort.

To commemorate this milestone anniversary, MDT will host a celebration on the second level of the Government Center Metrorail station on May 20, 2014, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The public is invited to join the celebration that will include music provided by HOT 105 FM’s Chico the Virgo, a guest appearance by the Miami Marlins’ mascot, Billy the Marlin, giveaways, the raffle of transit passes, and more.