Commissioner Eileen Higgins looks back on Miami's transportation projects and their progress so far
Since her election as Commissioner, Eileen Higgins has done everything in her power to get people moving. While serving as Chair of the Transportation, Mobility, and Planning Committee, one of her primary objectives was to push forward the Strategic Miami Area Fast Transit (SMART) plan and develop rapid transit networks. The committee has since started work on the South Corridor, which is expected to complete in early 2024.
She is also excited about other projects that she hopes will transform transport in Miami. Read on to learn more.
How the transit corridors will help Miami locals
Commissioner Higgins has had her sights on the Beach Corridor for decades. The County received a proposal from an external group to construct a monorail connection about two years ago. Higgins was informed this wouldn't provide one-seat travel but would save millions of dollars. Upon further investigation, she found that the cost would keep climbing, eventually reaching $1.3 billion.
This is why she and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava have announced plans to extend the Metromover, creating a direct connection between Downtown and Miami Beach. Locals and workers prefer the one-seat option since it is compatible with the existing County transportation network and provides a more comfortable ride overall. Many people who work in the hotel and restaurant industries in Miami Beach have to take buses from the city center, a trip that can take upwards of an hour during rush hour. With the new Baylink Metromover expansion, getting around Miami will take less than 15 minutes—a huge relief for the hardworking individuals behind city's booming tourism industry.
Public transit options to improve economic opportunities
Both Mayor Cava and Commissioner Higgins are committed to improving economic empowerment in Miami, whether it is through the Elevate District 5 initiative or by establishing innovative public transportation systems. The Board will shortly release a request to move ahead with Baylink as well!
The Board has taken significant action to speed up the building of the North Link, an important fast transit corridor. Since the Federal government is dedicated to reuniting neighborhoods split apart by the construction of highways in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, these officials think it will work with the County to expand our Metrorail system.
I-95's development wiped out Overtown, forcing out thousands of black residents and closing hundreds of their businesses. Communities in northern Miami-Dade County will have better access to jobs and other resources if they have access to public transportation.
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