Miami-Dade County commissioners approved the county's first transit fare increase in 13 years Tuesday, raising the base fare for Metrobus and Metrorail from $2.25 to $2.75 beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The commission approved the 50-cent increase in a 9-4 vote. Commissioner Oliver Gilbert sponsored the measure. Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez and Commissioners Rob Gonzalez, Vicki Lopez and Natalie Milian Orbis voted against it. Florida Politics

The increase will affect transit riders countywide, including those traveling to and from the Aventura area.

Fare increase preserves some bus service

The higher fares, combined with a slight reduction in midday Metrorail frequency, are expected to generate or save about $9.2 million annually. About $8.4 million is expected to come from the fare increase and roughly $740,000 from the Metrorail adjustment. CubaHeadlines

That money will preserve six bus routes that had been slated for elimination and maintain late-night service on seven routes that otherwise would have stopped running earlier.

The six routes preserved from elimination are 16, 25, 42, 57, 70 and 279. Late-night service will be maintained on routes 3, 9, 11, 27, 36, 77 and 79. Together, those services carry about 4,211 passengers on an average weekday. CubaHeadlines

Some previously approved service reductions will still take effect. Other cuts are expected to affect about 3,089 weekday riders, while several particularly low-ridership services will also be eliminated. CubaHeadlines

The county's 2026-27 budget had already restored $12.5 million for early-morning service on 45 bus routes. County officials had identified a fare increase as a potential source of recurring revenue to preserve additional service. Miami-Dade County

"If you're on the first or last bus, it's because you have no other choice," Gilbert said during Tuesday's discussion. CubaHeadlines

First fare increase since 2013

Metrobus and Metrorail currently cost $2.25 per trip. The increase to $2.75 amounts to a roughly 22% hike and will be the first change to the base fare since 2013. Miami-Dade County

For a commuter paying the regular fare twice each weekday, the increase adds $5 to the cost of a five-day workweek.

Free and discounted programs for qualifying riders, including certain seniors, veterans and students, will remain in place. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also said the county plans outreach to make riders aware of programs for which they may qualify. Florida Politics

"This is a lifeline," Levine Cava said after the vote. AOL.com

Commissioners also target free Metromover rides

The vote also opened the door to another major transit change.

Commissioners directed Levine Cava's administration to return with a proposal to charge passengers to ride Metromover, the automated system serving downtown Miami and Brickell that has been free since 2002. Commissioner Raquel Regalado proposed a $1 fare plus the cost associated with collecting it. Florida Politics

Metromover remains free for now. A fare would require further action by the commission.

The new $2.75 Metrobus and Metrorail fare takes effect Jan. 1.