Miami MetroConnect Scales Back to Weekday Service
Miami-Dade MetroConnect drops two zones, ends weekend service, raises fares to $3.75
Miami MetroConnect Cuts Zones, Ends Weekend Runs
Miami-Dade County's MetroConnect service is cutting two service zones and eliminating all weekend trips starting Sunday, February 1st, transit officials said. The on-demand transit service will no longer operate in the Civic Center and Waterford Business District Zones, while weekend service ends for all remaining zones. MetroConnect will now run only Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., representing a significant reduction in service availability for riders who've relied on the flexible transit option.
Context & Background
The changes represent a standardization of service hours and fare structure across the MetroConnect system, according to the transit agency. MetroConnect launched as an on-demand microtransit service designed to provide flexible first-mile and last-mile connections to Miami-Dade's fixed-route transit network. Officials said the service adjustments aim to focus resources on zones with higher ridership during peak commute times. The elimination of Civic Center and Waterford Business District zones means riders in those areas will need to use alternative transit options, including Miami-Dade Transit's fixed-route buses, Broward County Transit routes, and City of Miami Trolleys.
Key Details
The standard fare will increase to $3.75 per person per trip, payable at booking time through the MetroConnect app. However, a discounted fare of $1.50 will apply to trips beginning or ending at designated transit terminals that connect with Metrorail, Metrobus, and the South Dade TransitWay. Eligible transit hubs will be displayed in the MetroConnect app during the booking process, officials said. The fare structure creates a two-tier pricing system that incentivizes riders to use MetroConnect as a connector to the county's larger fixed-route transit network rather than as a standalone service.
Timeline & Implementation
All service changes take effect Sunday, February 1st, including the new standardized weekday-only hours, zone eliminations, and revised fare structure. Officials said passengers can access detailed information about service changes and fares through the FAQ section in the MetroConnect app. The agency didn't provide advance notice of how long the reduced service model will remain in place or whether officials plan to evaluate ridership data after implementation to determine if zones or weekend service might return.
Rider Impact & Moovit
Riders who previously used MetroConnect on weekends or in the discontinued Civic Center and Waterford Business District zones will need to switch to alternative transit options, including multiple Miami-Dade Transit bus routes, Broward County Transit services, and City of Miami Trolleys. Officials encouraged riders to plan trips accordingly and explore these alternatives for areas no longer served by MetroConnect. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Miami-Dade Transit services, including MetroConnect's adjusted zones and hours, along with alternative bus and rail routes throughout the county.
