In a move aimed at tackling one of the most persistent challenges in South Florida’s public transportation network, Miami-Dade commissioners have approved a resolution directing a comprehensive study of first-and-last-mile transit systems. The initiative, adopted on Tuesday, seeks to evaluate how city circulators, county buses, and emerging mobility services can better connect residents to major transit hubs, such as Metrorail stations and express bus corridors.
The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Raquel Regalado and supported by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, orders the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) to produce a detailed report within 90 days. That report will map existing routes, analyze duplication between municipal and county services, and propose ways to streamline operations. The goal is to close the “last-mile gap” — the critical distance between a person’s home or workplace and the nearest high-capacity transit line — which remains a major barrier to ridership.
For years, South Florida’s fragmented transportation network has been a source of frustration for commuters. While the region boasts multiple local circulator buses, trolleys, and ride-share partnerships, coordination between these systems is often minimal. Riders frequently encounter long waits, confusing transfers, or overlapping routes that fail to reach major destinations. By creating a unified approach, officials hope to increase reliability, reduce wait times, and ultimately make transit a more appealing alternative to driving.
“This is about making the system work for people, not just for planners,” Commissioner Regalado said during the hearing. “We need to stop thinking of first-and-last-mile transit as an afterthought and start designing it as a core part of how our residents move around the county.”
The timing of the resolution is significant. Miami-Dade is in the midst of implementing the SMART Program — a long-term initiative that expands rapid transit corridors and upgrades the bus network. However, without efficient neighborhood-level connectivity, even the most advanced systems can fail to meet ridership expectations. Experts say first-and-last-mile solutions are essential to bridging that gap.
Transit advocates have long pointed to successful examples in other cities, such as Los Angeles and Seattle, where municipalities have integrated shared e-scooters, micro-transit vans, and designated “mobility hubs” to connect riders seamlessly from their homes to rail stations. Miami officials believe similar strategies could work locally if supported by technology and interagency coordination.
Under the resolution, DTPW must collaborate with municipal transportation directors to collect route data and identify areas of redundancy. It will also evaluate new technology, including on-demand shuttle platforms that could replace underused routes with more flexible, app-based options. These innovations, which have shown promise in parts of Coral Gables and Doral, could expand to other neighborhoods where fixed-route service has struggled.
The study will also explore funding mechanisms, including potential partnerships with the private sector. Mobility companies like Uber and Lyft have previously piloted first-and-last-mile programs with transit agencies in other states, offering discounted rides to or from train stations. “If we can bring the private sector into this conversation responsibly, it could stretch our transportation dollars further,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “What matters is accessibility — ensuring people can actually reach the system we’re investing in.”
For residents of sprawling areas such as Kendall, Westchester, and Cutler Bay, the potential benefits are tangible. Many commuters who live miles from the nearest Metrorail station still depend on private vehicles simply because there’s no convenient way to bridge that short but critical distance. Improving first-and-last-mile transit could ease congestion on major corridors like the Palmetto Expressway and US-1 while reducing the county’s overall carbon footprint.
Still, the resolution faces practical challenges. Funding constraints have long hampered Miami-Dade’s ability to expand service, and coordination among the county’s 34 municipalities is notoriously complex. Each city operates its own trolley or circulator system, funded through different sources and operating under different schedules. Aligning those systems under a single cohesive strategy will require political will, data transparency, and — perhaps most importantly — public trust.
Transportation analyst Carla Mendez from Florida International University praised the initiative but cautioned that results will depend on implementation. “A study is a strong first step,” she said. “But Miami-Dade has conducted many mobility reports over the past decade. What we need this time is follow-through — real partnerships, pilot projects, and accountability.”
The concept of first-and-last-mile transit has gained renewed relevance as commuting patterns evolve post-pandemic. Hybrid work schedules and rising housing costs have pushed many residents farther from job centers, increasing the importance of multimodal options. The county’s push toward electric buses and micro-mobility infrastructure also aligns with national trends promoting sustainable, car-light communities.
According to preliminary data, the average Miami-Dade commuter still spends nearly an hour traveling each way to work — among the longest in the nation for a metro area of its size. Experts believe that improving local access to high-capacity routes could shave minutes off those daily journeys and significantly boost quality of life.
Residents like Carlos Hernandez, a Brickell construction worker who commutes from Hialeah, see promise in the plan. “If the city trolleys actually matched up with the train schedule, I wouldn’t have to drive every day,” he said. “Right now, the connection just doesn’t make sense. You miss one bus, and you’re waiting 30 minutes for the next one.”
The study will also assess the feasibility of digital tools, such as a unified fare system allowing riders to pay seamlessly across city trolleys, Metrorail, and Metrobus. Integration of real-time arrival data into a single countywide app could further enhance rider confidence and planning. “When people can see accurate times and pay with one card or phone, ridership goes up — it’s that simple,” said DTPW’s Chief Mobility Officer, Alex Lopez.
While the first-and-last-mile concept might sound technical, its success ultimately comes down to a simple equation: convenience. When taking transit feels easier than driving, people will do it. For now, Miami-Dade’s latest resolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity — a moment to rethink how a sprawling, car-centric region can evolve toward a more connected, sustainable future.
As the 90-day countdown begins, planners, residents, and advocates alike are watching closely. The coming report could shape how the region moves — not just next year, but for the next generation.
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