Miami-Dade’s South Corridor Rapid Transit project secures federal Small Starts grant

Aug. 28, 2020

The grant will help fund upgrades along a 20-mile busway that will improve safety, operating efficiency, travel times and passenger comfort.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

A rendering of the future South Dade TransitWay Corridor.

The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) was awarded a $99.9-million grant through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program. The grant will fund the South Corridor Rapid Transit Project in Miami-Dade County, Fla., which will provide faster, more reliable transit service from Florida City and other South Dade communities to Dadeland and connections to the Miami Central Business District.

The funds for the 20-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line were allocated in June from FTA’s FY 2019 CIG funds. The $99.9-million grant represents 33 percent of the total project cost of $299.9 million.

"This nearly $100 million federal investment will provide South Florida residents increased access to jobs, healthcare, educational opportunities and other vital services," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

DTPW will construct the 20-mile BRT line along the existing South Dade busway. The project will feature upgrades including signal preemption for buses and crossing gate arms at street crossings to enable buses to travel more rapidly and efficiently. DTPW says the BRT will provide rail-like travel time, iconic stations, level boarding through all doors and prepaid fares for speedy access. The department also anticipates the project will improve access to the Metrorail system for the corridor's downtown commuters, as well as to major destinations in the corridor when it opens for service in 2022.

"FTA is proud to join our partners in Florida to improve public transportation in Miami," said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. "The South Corridor Rapid Transit project will provide fast and efficient service, improving mobility and travel times in this busy corridor."

Williams added, "This federal investment is an economic boost for Miami-Dade County as the project will create jobs and help communities recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency.”

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.