Miami-Dade residents favour rapid transit expansions

Miami-Dade County residents were asked if the county should expand its existing elevated Metrorail, passenger rail and Metromover services. 

 

The measure is a non-binding straw poll, and it does not specify a time frame or source of funding for expanding the county’s transit network. Nearly 80% of Miami-Dade residents voted in favour of the item. 

 

Mark Merwitzer, the associate director of the advocacy group Transit Alliance, said he was pleased with the results of the straw poll. He said by voting in favor of this ballot measure, Miami-Dade residents made it clear they don’t want the “status quo” of “more highways and more traffic.” 

 

Miami-Dade’s growing population has exacerbated congestion and traffic throughout the county. 

 

“Tonight’s election results reflect a loud and clear mandate from our residents. The overwhelming support ... reflects our community’s shared vision for a more connected, sustainable, and accessible future.” said Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert. 

 

The measure comes about eight years after the commission voted in 2016 to pass the SMART Plan, which identified transit solutions for major transit corridors throughout the county. So far, the only part of the plan in progress is the construction of bus-only lanes between Miami and Homestead.