Committee approves study of dynamic pricing, aims to protect regular riders

The Miami-Dade Transportation, Planning and Mobility Committee voted to advance an item directing the county to explore dynamic pricing and special-event transit services designed to capture weekend and event demand and provide a lower-cost alternative to private rideshares.

Commissioner Bastian moved the item; Vice Chairwoman Regalado seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with the three members present voting in favor.

Committee discussion centered on ensuring regular riders would not bear added costs. A county staff member who identified himself as Jimmy said the intent “is not to get more money out of our current ridership. It's to offer folks who otherwise would be spending $40, $50, $60 to park at the stadium or take an Uber to have a less expensive public option.”

Staff and commissioners noted that many daily commuters use weekly or monthly passes. “Most of our everyday riders, the folks that are using this every day, have a weekly pass or monthly pass,” a staff member said, and commissioners asked that any dynamic pricing plan include protections or options for weekly and monthly pass-holders as well as existing programs such as the Golden Passport.

Commissioners discussed potential pilot opportunities tied to high-profile events, including the World Cup and Miami Carnival, and asked staff to return with specific options. Members suggested the county could test contracted shuttle-style services from park-and-ride or rail stations to stadiums and event sites, offering predictable fares that may be cheaper than private rides.

The committee’s approval sends the item to the full board; staff said any specific pricing changes would return to the board for approval and that they will include assessments of fairness and potential impacts on residents, students and employees when they present options.