Golden Glades hub adding transit passengers

Most of the Metrobus routes serving the new Golden Glades Multimodal Transportation Facility that opened Jan. 24 have gained riders at a hub that also serves an express bus route and links in Tri-Rail and bus transit from Broward County.

“This new transit facility is helping to bring more equity, accessibility, and innovation into our public transit system,” said German Arenes, the county transit operation’s chief of construction, structural inspection and analysis.

“Since the facility is a multimodal hub for Miami-Dade Transit, Broward County Transit and Tri-Rail, it serves as a connection for local and regional commuters,” Mr. Arenes said.

Broward County Transit is the second-largest transit system in Florida and the only public bus system in Broward.

Six of the seven Metrobus routes that connect to the Golden Glades terminal generated a rise in everyday use in April. When comparing to December 2021 weekday ridership, all seven routes increased 1.7% in April 2022. Routes include 95 Express Golden Glades and the 155 Biscayne Gardens Circulator.

With this new facility, there has also been major improvement of the park-and-ride lot.

New key features accessible at the facility include a 4,500-square-foot transit hub, electric vehicle charging stations, designated passenger waiting areas, direct access to the Tri-Rail station from the new parking garage, and new multi-bay bus terminals.

“From an aesthetics point of view, the new facility’s overall look is a vast improvement from the previous park-and-ride lot,” Mr. Arenes said.

The Golden Glades multimodal hub also provides access to intercity buses, carpool commuters, and taxicab and ride-share services.

Technology enhancements include internet networking, Wi-Fi, bus information real-time displays, an advanced parking management system, CCTV, emergency phones, and electronic card readers that will open some doors.

In December 2018, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), along with Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), built the new facility, which is now maintained by Miami-Dade County. FDOT funded the $60 million construction.

In fall 2021, the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers gave the DTPW and FDOT an award for the project.