Miami MetroConnect Cuts Weekend Service, Raises Fares
Miami-Dade MetroConnect eliminates weekend service, raises fares to $3.75 starting Feb 1
MetroConnect Cuts Weekend Service, Raises Fares
Miami-Dade County's MetroConnect on-demand transit service is cutting weekend service and raising fares starting Sunday, February 1st, transit officials said. The changes eliminate all Saturday and Sunday service while restricting weekday operations to 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The service will also stop operating in two zones: Civic Center and Waterford Business District.
Service Restructuring Aims to Focus Resources
The modifications represent a restructuring of the county's on-demand transit service, according to Miami-Dade Transit. Officials said the changes will focus resources on core service areas and times with highest demand. MetroConnect launched as a flexible, app-based service designed to complement the county's fixed-route bus and rail network. Transit agencies nationwide have adjusted microtransit services in recent years as they evaluate ridership patterns and operational costs, though specific ridership data for MetroConnect zones wasn't provided.
Fares Increase with Transit Hub Discount
The standard fare will increase to $3.75 per person per trip, payable at booking time through the MetroConnect app. A discounted fare of $1.50 will be available for trips beginning or ending at designated transit terminals that connect with Metrorail, Metrobus, and the South Dade TransitWay. Passengers can view eligible transit hubs in the app during the booking process. Officials didn't specify how many transit terminals qualify for the discounted rate or provide estimates of how many riders typically use the service.
Changes Take Effect February 1st
All service modifications, including the new operating hours, fare structure, and zone eliminations, take effect Sunday, February 1st. Officials said riders in affected zones can use alternative transportation options, including multiple Miami-Dade Transit bus routes, Broward County Transit routes, and City of Miami Trolleys. The agency didn't provide details about how much advance notice riders received or whether public meetings were held before implementing the changes.
Riders Should Plan for Service Adjustments
Riders who previously used MetroConnect on weekends or in the Civic Center and Waterford Business District zones will need to find alternative transportation starting February 1st. Officials said additional information about service changes and fares is available in the FAQ section of the MetroConnect app. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Miami-Dade Transit services, including Metrobus and Metrorail routes that serve areas no longer covered by MetroConnect.
