Miami-Dade Approves First Fare Hike in 13 Years

Miami-Dade commissioners voted 9-4 to raise standard Metrobus and Metrorail fares from $2.25 to $2.75 starting Jan. 1, 2027, the county’s first increase since 2013. The roughly 22% hike is expected to generate about $9 million to $10 million, helping preserve some routes and late-night bus service that had been slated for cuts, though Metrorail trains will run slightly less frequently during midday. Riders and advocates warned the increase will burden people who depend on transit and urged the county to protect low-income passengers; commissioners also asked the mayor to develop a proposal to charge for the currently free Metromover. Separately, Washington-area Metro is considering an 11.1% fare increase across rail, bus and paratransit for FY2028, alongside free rail and bus rides for children ages 5 to 18 across D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The Metro proposals are expected to go through board review, public hearings and budget adoption in 2027.