Living in Miami is expensive, and now gas prices are surging, too. The cost of fuel is expected to go up even more with the US ban on Russian oil as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
So, what can you do to try and save money?
Apps can help you find the cheapest gas near you. You have some public transportation options, too., and some are even free.
Here are some options for your commute or errands. And remember, masks are required on public transportation (including rideshares) because of a federal mask mandate.
Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover
Metrorail is a 25-mile dual track that provides service to Miami International Airport and runs from Kendall through South Miami, Coral Gables, and downtown Miami. CM GUERRERO. [email protected]
Metrobus routes run across Miami-Dade County and into Broward and the Keys, including Miami Beach, Liberty City, Little Haiti, Key Biscayne, Miami Gardens, West Miami-Dade, Homestead, Florida City. Buses have free Wi-Fi and bicycle racks.
Metrorail runs along a 25-mile dual track with service to Miami International Airport, and stretching from Kendall through South Miami, Coral Gables, and downtown Miami; to the Civic Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital area; and to Brownsville, Liberty City, Hialeah, and Medley in Northwest Miami-Dade. Metrorail stations have free Wi-Fi and bicycle racks, which can also be found in some rail cars.
Metromover circles downtown Miami and extends to Brickell and Performing Arts areas from 5 am to midnight daily. Destinations include FTX Arena, home to the Miami Heat, Bayside Marketplace and Miami Dade College’s downtown campus.
How much does it cost?
Metromover is free. Metrobus and Metrorail fare is $2.25 each way or $5.65 for a one-day pass. However, Metrobus and Metrorail transfers are free though you will have to pay 95 cents if you’re transferring from a Metrobus/Metrorail to an express Metrobus route.
Some tips:
▪ Miami-Dade Transit has reduced fare options for groups of people, including K-12 and college students and Medicare recipients. Miami-Dade residents whose annual income is $19,321 to $25,760, for example, can ride Metrobus and Metrorail for half price with the Commuter-Reduced Fare EASY Card.
▪ Miami-Dade residents whose annual income is less than $19,320 may be eligible for free rides on Metrobus and Metrorail with the Transit Mobility EASY Card.
▪ Payment options are available, including monthly passes (best for frequent riders) and Easy Tickets (for people who aren’t frequent riders).You can also pay your fare through the GO Miami-Dade app or other contactless options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Fitbit Pay.
To learn more about reduced or free fare options, visit Miami-Dade Transit’s website.
Free trolleys
Miami Beach’s North Beach trolley departs from a stop at the North Shore Youth Center in this file photo. Joey Flechas [email protected]
Some cities run free trolleys, including Doral, Coral Gables, Miami, Miami Beach and Miami Gardens. Route information, hours of operation and real-time tracking info should be available on the city’s website or through an app. Here are some:
▪ Doral — www.cityofdoral.com/all-departments/public-works/doral-trolley/
▪ Coral Gables — www.coralgables.com/trolley-services
▪ Miami — www.miamigov.com/Transportation-Roadways/Trolley-Information/Get-Trolley-Information-Schedules-and-Maps
▪ Miami Beach — www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/transportation/trolley/
▪ Miami Gardens — www.miamigardens-fl.gov/233/Miami-Gardens-Express. Route information: www.miamigardens-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/271/Express-Route-Map-PDF?bidId=
free bee
Freebee, a free ride-sharing electric vehicle service founded by University of Miami graduates Jason Spiegel and Kris Kimball, is available in more than a dozen cities across South Florida.
Places offering Freebee include Aventura, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Doral, South Miami, West Miami, Florida City, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Key Biscayne, downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Lakes, Hialeah, and Miami Beach. If you’re planning to visit Broward County, Freebee rides are available in Fort Lauderdale. If you’re visiting the Keys, you can ride Freebee in Islamorada.
To call a ride, you’ll have to use the Freebee app, similar to how you would order an Uber or Lyft.
Keep in mind that Freebee routes are considered “short-distance,” which means you can’t ask Freebee to take you from Florida City to Miami Beach. The app will notify you if you’re out of Freebee’s service range.
Cities that offer the service should have route information online. You can also use the app to see destinations.
brightline
Brightline runs from downtown Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach Miami Herald
The high-speed train service runs from downtown Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Stations: Miami Central Station, 600 NW First Ave.; Fort Lauderdale at 101 NW Second Ave.; West Palm Beach station at 501 Evernia St.
Prices vary depending on when you plan to travel and if it’s a one-way or round trip. If you’re a frequent rider, the rail company recommends monthly travel pass options, which “unlocks” the lowest pricing, including peak weekday fares and weekends. The unlimited monthly pass options start at $199.
“If you take 20+ rides a month, that works out to less than a $10 fare,” the rail line says. Sometimes, Brightline features other offers. Kids under 12, for example, can ride free with the purchase of one adult ticket until March 31. Brightline also has travel packs and group discounts.
For more information, visit gobrightline.com
Tri Rail
A view of people waiting at Miami Airport Tri-Rail Station in Miami on Friday, November 6, 2015. David Santiago [email protected]
The commuter train runs through 18 stations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
The rail runs from Miami International Airport through Golden Glades in Miami-Dade County, Hollywood, the Broward airport, Deerfield Beach, and Boca Raton through Mangonia Park in Palm Beach County.
Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on where you’re going and if it’s a one-way or round trip. If you’re planning to do a round trip, prices range from $5 to $17.50. One-way tickets range from $2.50 to $8.75. If you take the train during the weekend or on a holiday, there’s a flat rate of $5. If you’re a student, senior, child or a person with a disability, you can get the weekend or holiday fare for $2.50.
And if you’re a frequent rider, consider looking at 12-trip passes, monthly passes and regional passes.
For more info, visit tri-rail.com
Amtrak
The nationwide train has stations across Florida, including in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Miami/Hialeah. Prices and discounts vary depending on where you’re going and when.
For more info, visit amtrak.com/home.
Uber, Lyft and taxis
Uber and Lyft Carl Juste [email protected]
Sometimes it’s cheaper (and easier) to get a ride then to drive yourself. Ride costs vary.
carpool
Consider carpooling with co-workers, family and friends and then split the cost of gas.
Walk or use a bicycle, electric scooter or skateboard
If the place you’re going is nearby, think about walking, riding your bicycle, or using a skateboard instead. You can save money on gas, exercise and help the planet too. If you have an electric scooter, that’s an option too.
This article will be updated.
There’s never a dull moment in Florida — and Michelle covers it as a Real Time/Breaking News Reporter for the Miami Herald. She graduated with honors from Florida International University, where she served as the editor-in-chief of Student Media PantherNOW. Previously, she worked as a news writer at WSVN Channel 7 and was a 2020-2021 Poynter-Koch Media & Journalism fellow.
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