Metro Express Service

FAQ

• What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

  Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality bus-based transit system delivering a rail-like experience that is fast and efficient, which includes dedicated lanes, traffic signal preemption and priority, off-board fare collection, elevated platforms with level boarding and enhanced stations.
  
  With a length of 20 miles, the South Dade TransitWay, opening Monday, October 27, 2025, will be the longest battery electric bus rapid transit system in the nation on a dedicated corridor with level boarding, gate arms, and state-of-the-art stations. The TransitWay connects communities from SW 344 Street Park & Ride in Florida City to  Dadeland South Metrorail Station, connecting communities to job centers, schools, parks, other transit modes, and shopping centers.

• What is the difference between the existing local service and the new BRT system?

  The new BRT service will implement the use of preemption and priority signaling, which gives Metro Express buses quick and safe access across intersections, improving travel times. Metro Express buses will communicate with traffic signals as they approach an intersection, giving them quicker green lights. Once fully operational, the system will result in improved frequency and reduced travel times.

• What are the benefits to the community?

  The new BRT all-electric vehicles will offer safe, dependable service along the TransitWay, connecting communities to job centers, schools, parks, other transit modes and retail areas. With this new service, the community will have an express north-south travel option.

• What can riders expect at the new BRT station?

  The BRT stations will offer an array of amenities to improve the riders’ experience, including real-time bus arrival displays, improved lighting, enhanced security features, access to air-conditioned waiting area, free Wi-Fi inside stations, water fountains, and pre-boarding fare collection.

• What is the new BRT travel schedule?

  Starting Monday, Oct. 27, service frequency is scheduled to be 7.5 minutes during peak hours/peak direction, 15 minutes off peak, and 30 minutes on weekends. Learn more about the Metro Express service schedule and routes.

• Will the new BRT system increase fares?

  No; fares remain the same.

• How can riders purchase their fares?

  Riders have options to access the station’s paid area prior to boarding the bus. One is to tap directly at the fare gates with an EASY Card, EASY Ticket, valid contactless credit or debit card, or mobile wallet, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Riders also have the option of purchasing a Single-Ride (1-Ride) QR code paper ticket by using the new BRT ticket vending machines located at the entrance to the stations. Simply scan the QR code at the fare gate to access the paid area.
  
  College students using the College Mobile Pass in the GO Miami-Dade Transit app must show their digital pass to the station guard for visual validation priot to entry. The same requirement applies to riders using Token Transit, Transit App, Moovit, Citymapper, or SoFloGO.
  
  When paying your fare with contactless payment, EASY Card, EASY Ticket, mobile passes, and the new paper QR ticket, transfers are free within the first three (3) hours from the initial tap; after three (3) hours, full fares apply. Please note that QR paper tickets must be used within 15 minutes of purchase.
  
  IMPORTANT: At this time, the BRT ticket vending machines have only one function to dispense a Single-Ride (1-Ride) paper ticket with a QR code that can be scanned at the fare gates to enter the stations. Additional fare products will be available in the future.

• What should drivers expect during the implementation phase?

  Since the system is currently in the rollout phase, delays may occur due to the deployment of new signal timing and safety equipment, such as warning lights and gate arms.

• What can drivers expect when the BRT is operational?

  Metro Express service is the first of its kind in Miami-Dade and one of the longest, all-electric bus service, with gate-arms and timing signalization,  in the nation with 20 miles of dedicated lanes – so full system coordination often takes time to fine-tune.  
  
  That’s why there’s always an adjustment period of 90 days after service begins to troubleshoot and improve. Some drivers may  experience signal disruptions as signal timing configurations are being adjusted.
      
  Northbound and southbound US-1 routes will have longer green lights. Some delays may occur for cross street traffic at intersections due to signal preemption for BRT dedicated lanes.
  
  Gate arms will descend as physical barriers with visual/audible signals to alert drivers and pedestrians of an approaching bus.

• What are the BRT system’s accessibility and safety features?

  The buses will offer level boarding for easy and quick passenger loading from the platforms. The BRT system will offer:

  • All-door boarding, allowing passengers to enter or exit the bus through any door, which speeds up boarding process
  • 24-hour security
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Air-conditioned waiting area
  • Improved pedestrian crossings
  • On-board bike storage will be available inside the bus. Cyclists also have the option of securing their bikes at the BRT station.

• What are safety guidelines for driving through intersections?

  Drivers should remember these safety tips:
  

  • If the gate arm is descending, drivers must come to a complete stop. The gate arms are a visual signal that a bus is approaching the intersection.
  • Continue obeying the traffic signals. Failure to do this will result in a citation.
  • Proceed through the intersection only after the gate arm is fully raised, and the red or flashing lights are off.
  • Drivers should watch for bike/ped users upon approaching the intersection. Pedestrians and cyclists will also use the intersections to cross the street and access the BRT system.

• How can the public provide feedback?

  Public feedback during this process is important. You can also report concerns by sending an email to [email protected].