Photo: Boarding1Now / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
FLORIDA - Tri-Rail reported serving 4.4 million passengers in 2024, marking the first time since 2019 that annual ridership has surpassed 4 million.
Commissioner Marci Woodward, Chair of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) Governing Board, expressed enthusiasm about the resurgence in ridership.
She emphasized the agency's commitment to enhancing the rider experience and strengthening regional mobility.
A pivotal factor contributing to this increase was the expansion of service to MiamiCentral Station, which commenced on January 13, 2024.
Following this expansion, Tri-Rail reported a full recovery in ridership by March, averaging 15,000 weekday rides and 8,000 weekend rides.
By the end of 2024, the system maintained an average of 14,000 weekday and 7,000 weekend rides.
Notably, a new Saturday ridership record was set on February 24, 2024, with 10,129 trips.
Tri-Rail also improved its on-time performance, achieving a 93.6% rate in December 2024, surpassing the 90% mark for the first time in over a year.
Commissioner Woodward highlighted the significance of the downtown Miami service launch and reaffirmed the agency's dedication to collaborating with partners to provide safe, convenient, and efficient transportation that meets the region's needs.
Tri-Rail is a commuter rail system serving South Florida, operating in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Managed by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), the system was launched in 1989 as a temporary measure to alleviate congestion on I-95 during highway reconstruction.
However, due to its success and growing ridership demand, Tri-Rail became a permanent fixture in South Florida’s public transportation network.
The 73.4-mile rail line runs from Mangonia Park in Palm Beach County to Miami International Airport (MIA), covering 18 stations.
In January 2024, Tri-Rail expanded its service to MiamiCentral Station, connecting directly with Brightline’s higher-speed rail service and enhancing accessibility to downtown Miami.
Tri-Rail serves thousands of commuters daily, with peak weekday ridership often exceeding 14,000 passengers.
The system provides budget-friendly commuter options compared to driving or using ride-share services.
Tri-Rail connects with Metrorail, Metrobus, Broward County Transit, and Palm Tran, ensuring seamless transit across the region.
Tri-Rail has consistently worked on improving its punctuality, with on-time performance reaching 93.6% in December 2024.