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 will eliminate all weekend service and raise fares starting February 1, transit officials said. The changes affect riders who've relied on the service for Saturday and Sunday trips, with operations shifting to weekdays only from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The standard fare will increase to $3.75 per trip, up from previous rates, though a discounted $1.50 fare will be available for trips connecting to major transit hubs.

Service Restructuring Removes Two Zones

The restructuring removes service from two zones entirely: the Civic Center and Waterford Business District, according to the transit agency. Officials said the changes aim to focus resources on areas with higher demand while maintaining connections to the county's fixed-route transit network. MetroConnect has operated as an on-demand service complementing Miami-Dade Transit's traditional bus and rail routes. The service allows riders to book trips through a mobile app rather than following fixed schedules and routes.

New Fare Structure Incentivizes Transit Connections

The new fare structure creates a two-tier pricing system based on trip destinations. Riders will pay $3.75 for standard trips, payable at booking time through the MetroConnect app. However, trips beginning or ending at designated transit terminals that connect with Metrorail, Metrobus, and the South Dade TransitWay will qualify for the reduced $1.50 fare. Passengers can view which transit hubs are eligible for the discounted rate directly in the app during the booking process, officials said.

Changes Take Effect February 1

The service modifications take effect Sunday, February 1, 2026. Starting that date, MetroConnect will operate Monday through Friday only, with no Saturday or Sunday service available. The new 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. operating window replaces the previous schedule, though officials didn't specify what hours the service previously maintained. Riders in the eliminated Civic Center and Waterford Business District zones will need to use alternative transit options beginning February 1.

Alternative Routes Available in Affected Areas

Transit officials said riders in the two eliminated zones can use multiple Miami-Dade Transit bus routes, Broward County Transit routes, and City of Miami Trolleys as alternatives. The agency didn't specify which specific routes serve the affected areas, but said information is available in the MetroConnect FAQ section. Riders can use Moovit to plan trips and find real-time schedules for alternative bus and rail routes throughout Miami-Dade County's transit network.