Miami-Dade BRT Preps Nation's Longest Electric Line

Miami-Dade installs gate arms on 20-mile corridor for nation's longest electric BRT line

Miami-Dade Adds Gate Arms for BRT Launch

Miami-Dade County's activating rail-like gate arms at roadway intersections along the South Dade TransitWay, preparing the 20-mile corridor for Bus Rapid Transit service starting in 2025. The gate arms will allow express Metrobus routes to travel efficiently from Homestead to Dadeland South while enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The system will become the nation's longest battery electric bus rapid transit line on a dedicated corridor, officials said.

Context & Background

The South Dade TransitWay represents a cost-effective alternative to expanding Metrorail while delivering similar benefits to the community, according to the county. The 20-mile corridor will feature 14 BRT stations and 32 local bus stops with amenities including real-time bus arrival displays, improved lighting, enhanced security features, air-conditioned vestibules, and free Wi-Fi. The system will implement level boarding and state-of-the-art stations designed for rapid passenger movement. Officials said the BRT service will use preemption signaling to give priority to transit vehicles at signalized intersections, improving bus travel times along the corridor.

Key Details

The gate arms are being activated in three phases, with phase one completed in late fall 2024 and phases two and three starting at the beginning of 2025. The system will operate with battery electric buses along the dedicated corridor, making it the longest such system in the nation. Fares will remain the same as current Metrobus service and can be purchased at BRT stations before boarding using EASY Card or credit cards. Local law enforcement will issue citations to unauthorized vehicles on the TransitWay, which may result in points on a driver's license or penalty fines, officials said.

Timeline & Implementation

BRT service is scheduled to start in 2025, though officials haven't announced a specific launch date. The final two phases of gate arm activation will begin at the start of 2025, preparing the corridor for full BRT operations. The county said the phased approach allows for testing and adjustments before the system goes live.

Rider Impact & Moovit

Drivers are advised to slow down, obey all signs and signals, and only proceed when the gate is fully raised and lights are off. The new BRT service will provide faster, more reliable transit along the Homestead to Dadeland South corridor with enhanced amenities at stations. Riders can use Moovit for real-time updates and trip planning once BRT service begins.