Appropriations Committee approves major bus network changes, including South Dade BRT, citing $3.3 million operating savings

The Miami‑Dade Appropriations Committee opened and closed the public hearing on item 1G1 and approved a department request authorizing the Department of Transportation and Public Works to implement major bus network changes on or after July 21, 2025.

Joseph Hernandez, interim director of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, described the package as the first phase of a Smart Program and said the new South Dade Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service is funded by the county's half‑cent transit surtax and therefore does not require general‑fund support. Hernandez said the department expects to realize net operating savings by restructuring some routes.

Hernandez said the department realized $5.3 million in savings through prior lineup changes and that the portion of the Metrolink adjustments that add fixed‑route service would cost $2 million, yielding a net $3.3 million in operating savings. "We have realized the savings of 5,300,000 ... That has a cost of $2,000,000 So therefore, the savings in this is $3,300,000 towards operating," Hernandez said.

Committee members clarified that the South Dade quarter was not part of the previously announced Better Bus Network and confirmed the department is proposing the change outside that earlier plan. The sponsor noted the item plans for the opening of the South Dade BRT and thanked the union for participation in planning.

The clerk called the roll on the item and the transcript reports the motion passed 4‑0. The committee recorded the motion as carried and congratulated the department and sponsor.

No speakers from the public addressed item 1G1 during the hearing; the public‑hearing period opened and closed with no speakers.