Miami Expands Free Trolley Along Brickell, Flagami

MIAMI, FL — Miami commissioners have approved an expansion of the city's popular free trolley service along Brickell Avenue and have added a brand new route in the Flagami section. Ridership has more than doubled to some five million rides, according to city officials. The Coconut Grove route was also reconfigured.

Thursday's resolution approving the changes was co-sponsored by Mayor Francis Suarez and Commissioner Manolo Reyes.

"Our plan to continue expanding our trolley system throughout the city has been a success, and the Flagami route is a great example of this," the mayor said. "We are committed to providing accessible and reliable transportation options to Miami residents to alleviate congestion and promote a better quality of life."

See also Father's Day 2018: Tell Us Why Your Dad Is Special and FREE Glass Of Wine When You Sign Up For Patch's FREE Newsletter.

According to Reyes, the Flaglami route will include five new trolleys operating six days a week with service connecting major arteries such as SW 8th St and West Flagler Street to the existing Little Havana route and other nearby neighborhoods.

"The residents of Flagami had expressed to me a need for better transportation in the area," Reyes explained. "The Miami Trolley will help many of them get to and from work and school, and run errands in the community while connecting them to surrounding areas."

With its expansion, the Brickell route will now go to Miami City Hall. Officials said the Coconut Grove route was modified to better serve residents.

“As non-city transportation services struggle and in some cases discontinue service, we're committed to the expansion of the Miami Trolley as a proven, effective way to get people where they want to go,” said the city's Eugene Ramirez.

Miami Trolley has seen year over year growth since fiscal year 13-14. In fiscal year 16-17, Miami Trolley gave more than five million rides (compared to 2.3 million in fiscal year 13-14). The most popular routes in fiscal year 16-17 included Little Havana, Coral Way, Allapattah, Biscayne, and Brickell.

The Little Havana route more than doubled ridership from fiscal year 15-16 to fiscal year 16-17. A Little Haiti route was added in February.

Download the city's free trolley app for iOS and Android devices. For more information on Miami Trolley click here.

Photo courtesy city of Miami