MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County is offering up free bus rides beginning on Monday, Nov. 13, as it launches a redesign of the county’s bus system.
According to the county’s website, the Better Bus Network will be launched. It is the first redesign to the county’s Metrobus system in four decades and will be more reliable and effective for transit users.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said on Monday the network of buses will run every 15 minutes and some frequent buses will increase for five to 19 bus routes.
“So now, more than half a million residents will be able to reach at least 20,000 more jobs by transit in 45 minutes or less on workdays, and more than half a million Miami-Dade residents will have better access to jobs on Saturdays,” said Levine Cava.
Many South Floridians tried out the new system and there have been mixed reviews.
“Better for who? Maybe for some people, but for me, it wasn’t. They took out a bus stop that I use. I had to walk almost half a mile to the next one and they took out the Express 120. I don’t know, maybe it’ll get better, but today, it was just terrible,” said James Hughes, who rode the bus on Monday.
Riders can try Miami-Dade County transit for free from Nov. 13 – Dec. 31.
MetroConnect, the county’s shared ride service, will also be available for free in several locations including:
North Dade
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Civic Center
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Westchester
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kendall North
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kendall South
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dadeland North
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dadeland South
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Transit Way
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cutler Bay
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
South Dade
- All rides are free
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Riders would need to download the MetroConnect app or call 786-321-5842 to sign up and book a free ride.
For more information about this service, click on this link.
The free services come with a bit of controversy, The Miami Herald reported Miami-Dade’s Transporation director was suspended after his department announced free bus fares for riders without first getting it cleared by the county.
According to the Miami Herald, Eulois Cleckley will lose two weeks’ pay.