The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is still on track to launch Tri-Rail service to Downtown Miami’s MiamiCentral station by the end of this year, as reported by Miami Today. This much-anticipated service expansion has faced multiple delays since its original projection for a 2017 start. Various issues, including certification challenges and platform clearance problems at MiamiCentral, have hindered progress. However, a draft schedule has now been submitted to partners, including Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway, and the operating and safety plans are awaiting mid-December approval from the Federal Railroad Administration.
Tri-Rail currently operates 25 weekday roundtrips on a 73-mile, 18-station line to Mangonia Park, north of West Palm Beach, and averages about 13,500 weekday passengers, nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic ridership. The service's current Miami terminal is located at Miami International Airport, which is about 5 miles from the downtown Brightline facility.
Despite the delays, SFRTA Executive Director David Dech, who took the helm in August 2022, has been actively working to resolve the issues. Under his leadership, all SFRTA locomotives are now fully compliant with federal guidelines. The authority has also improved trains and tracks, preparing for the 26 additional daily trains that will service the Miami station. Additionally, Tri-Rail has implemented a first mile/last mile coupon program to facilitate passenger transit to and from trains, enhancing rider experience.
With federal approval expected shortly, the Downtown Miami Link train service is poised to enhance connectivity for commuters and boost Tri-Rail's ridership further, marking a significant milestone in South Florida's public transportation network.
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