FYI Miami: February 20, 2025

Below are some of the FYIs in this week’s edition. The entire content of this week’s FYIs and Insider sections is available by subscription only. To subscribe click here.

BUSES ROLLERCOASTER: Miami-Dade bus ridership plunged 18.5% in December from December 2023, when the county removed fares from all of its transit systems to get more passengers aboard the new configuration of buses called the Better Bus Network. Bus passengers soared when the county made fares free from Nov. 13 to Dec. 31, 2023, “to ease the transition for riders and encourage new riders to use the new and improved system,” the county announced at the time. The free fares saw bus use soar 25.2%, from 4.68 million in December 2022 to 5.86 million in December 2023. But with fares restored in December 2024, use plunged to 4.77 million – up just 2% from the December 2022 bus ridership prior to introducing the vaunted new bus network.

ALONG THE TRAIL: As county commissioners await the opening planned this year of the new Bus Rapid Transit system linking Florida City and the Dadeland South Metrorail Station, they are this week to vote on asking for a Florida Department of Transportation grant to help provide pedestrian and cyclist access to the transit services along the corridor. The state and county would split the cost of the $2.26 million in work under the grant. The 22.71-mile project is to improve intersections to increase safety and renovate bus shelters on the South Corridor. Planned enhancements along the path are lighting, signage, furniture and equipment, landscaping and stormwater management. No opening date for the Bus Rapid Transit has been announced.

ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava would be directed to engage with Broward and Palm Beach counties to seek regional strategies to address myriad solid waste management problems under a resolution coming before county commissioners this week. The resolution by Juan Carlos Bermudez says problems of solid waste management are statewide and notes that the county commission more than two years ago directed the mayor to collaborate with the South Florida Regional Planning Council on strategies for solid waste management. The resolution says all three counties “may benefit from collaborative efforts to explore potential regional approaches and develop regional strategies and plans.” The resolution would give the mayor 60 days to report.

GAS PRICE DIVES: Miami gas prices plunged last week, falling an average of 15.8 cents per gallon to $3 as the national average price rose 2.2 cents to $3.11, according to GasBuddy.