County putting Metromover in shape to expand

While the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works is actively working on upgrading the fare-free Metromover at the Omni and Brickell stations, the county has set up free bus shuttle service loops between the two stations.

The estimated $152.9 million project is projected to be completed by May 2025. Renovations include enhancements to the operating system and guideway electrical components. It also includes a complete overhaul of the central control center and an upgrade of the track switches.

Once completed, Metromover riders will face fewer service disruptions and increased vehicle frequency, which will reduce riders’ wait times, the department says. Officials also plan alternate routes to meet service demands and get passengers to desired locations quicker.

The Metromover has been in service over 37 years since opening in April 1986. While the system has expanded and vehicles have been replaced, major subsystems that keep the automated people mover functioning have met their design life spans.

In May 2021, the county awarded a contract to Bombardier Transportation USA Inc. to buy a Metromover Comprehensive Wayside System Overhaul.

Once the track work is done, the system is be able to accept new vehicles – giving the green light for the transit department to start hunting for new Metromover cars.

“This (Metromover upgrade) will also allow us to do express trains where we have large crowds and potentially to utilize this system to expand to other areas to provide Metromover service,” said Eulois Cleckley, department Director and CEO. “We have a goal of making sure that we have a safer, cleaner, efficient and more connected transportation system that all residents will benefit from in Miami-Dade County.”

The latest county plans include expanding Metromover from downtown Miami to Miami Beach, thus providing one of the six corridors of the Smart Program for countywide rapid transit.