Brickell Avenue Trolley

The City of Miami is considering the addition of a rubber-tire Downtown Trolley (like the Gables Trolley) along Biscayne Boulevard and Brickell Avenue, proposed to run from Omni to the Rickenbacker Causeway. BHA attended a meeting of stakeholders hosted by the Miami DDA and City officials and staffers on April 16. Those with an interest in the Brickell and Downtown area are encouraged to take a brief 10-item survey to help with planning.

The proposed route and highlights of items deliberated at the meeting are below.

Federal Stimulus/PTP/FDOT Grant

• Funds only go toward purchasing equipment – not operations (maintenance, drivers, etc.)
• Ad revenue?
• Apportionment occurred on March 5, 2009 –must obligate by September 1, 2009 or lose funding

Proposed Trolley

• Similar to Coral Gables equipment – service goes beyond current Metromover trains
• Route as currently proposed – 4 miles
• Expand to Midtown and Coral Gables connectors – Ponce de Leon/Coral Way
• Expanded route 6 miles NB – 5.7 SB – 38 minutes
• Hours must include evenings for events in the Omni/Performing Arts district
• Stops will be ‘flag down’ only – not stopping at every pick-up/drop-off location
• Possible Park & Ride at the Public Parking under off-ramp of the Rickenbacker Causeway (flower market by old Hampton Inn)
• Fare proposed only to deter homeless from living on the vehicles
• Private company to oversee operations, provide drivers
• Miami-Dade has maintenance infrastructure