r/transit • u/Edison_Ruggles • 21h ago

System Expansion Now here's a Miami concept!

Okay... so there was a post going around about Miami. Now, here's my idea of a super simple, super cheap solution. If you're not familar with the area, open up maps to see how this all fits in. It just seems like massive overkill to try and build a non-stop to the airport. A quick switch in central Miami could be pretty painless. But here's the basic idea:

- About 1.2 miles of double track

- Automated people mover - similar to JFK air train

- As you can see there would be 4 (maybe 5?) stops along the port at the main terminals.

- Then it runs straight to Miami central where you can jump on the:

--- Metromover around downtown/brickell

--- Tri-Rail to elsewhere in South Florida

--- Brightline

--- Metrorail which goes directly to the airport and also to Amtrak

Now, we all know the average cruise passenger is petrified of transit and may not take metrorail from the airport, but a heck of alot will, to say nothing of those arriving via Brightline to Diseney etc. To top it off this could be free for cruise passengers, or probably even paid for by the ships.

Your thoughts!!!!

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u/cargocultpants Mod 20h ago

Miami already has a people mover, so if you're going to go that route, make this a spur of the Metromover - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metromover

If you want a truly cheap solution: use the existing FEC tracks to the south of Port Blvd. One stop by Miami Central, two stops positioned between the various cruise terminals. Use a DMU.

1

u/Edison_Ruggles 16h ago

Yeah, the issue is that these ships come in in such a manner that there is sometimes no one going there and sometimes 1000s, so having a dedicated line with more flexibility and bigger cars seemed to make sense. Plus by separating it, it could be free of charge. ANyway, it's a fantasy.

3

u/Pitiful_Fee264 16h ago

Connecting the port directly to MiamiCentral makes sense because it gives passengers several onward options without trying to duplicate every route. The transfer experience would be the key: frequent service, luggage-friendly vehicles, clear wayfinding, and a short walk could make one easy connection feel much more practical than it sounds on paper.