New South Beach Trolley Line Completes Free Service

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Miami Beach officials are set to inaugurate the South Beach Loop on Nov. 1, completing the city's free trolley service. The new line will replace Miami-Dade Transit's South Beach Local and the city's Alton-West Loop. The official launch has been moved to 2 p.m. at Rebecca Towers, 200 Alton Road

With the addition of the South Beach Loop, residents and visitors will now be able to board a free trolley to reach parks, beaches, shops, libraries, restaurants and even Mount Sinai Hospital, according to city officials.

“This was the final addition to complete the city’s interconnected trolley system to ensure a free ride, citywide," said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, who said he tasked city staff to launch the first trolley route on Alton Road in a record 52 days four years ago.

"I am now proud to be adding the South Beach Loop to our trolley repertoire, alongside the new Collins Express and improved North Beach and Middle Beach trolley routes,” Levine added.

The South Beach Loop will operate 365 days of the year with trolleys running approximately 10 to 15 minutes apart. South Beach trolleys will operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight and 8 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

"The newly added route, in its entirety, will reduce travel time and improve connectivity by enabling movement from South Pointe Drive to 88 Street with as little as one transfer," said City Manager Jimmy Morales.

In addition to the launch of the South Beach service, the city is making changes to the Middle Beach Loop, Collins Link and North Beach Loop trolley routes. Low-floor trolleys are being added to the fleet of 10 trolleys to boost accessibility.

Beginning with the replacement of the Collins Link trolley service by the new and improved Collins Express, the changes are intended to increase coverage and enhance the rider experience. Collins Express limited stop service will reduce the number of transfers currently required to travel between North Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach by extending to Washington Avenue and Lincoln Road on the south side and 88 Street on the north end — resulting in quicker and more central transit service.

Facilitating transfers between the new Collins Express and existing North Beach Loop, the North Beach Loop route is also being modified, eliminating a stop along Indian Creek Drive and adopting three bus stops along the new route section. Replacing the circuit at Indian Creek Drive between 71 Street and the Indian Creek Drive/Abbott Avenue intersection, the fresh track along eastbound 71 Street and southbound Abbott Avenue will enable a smoother transfer from the North Beach Loop to other transit services at Abbott Avenue and the 69 Street bus stop.

The Middle Beach Loop is also being changed — extending its operation along Dade Boulevard, Alton Road and 19 Street with the addition of two bus stops and easier accessibility to grocery shopping with an added drop-off at the Dade Boulevard Publix.

Riders can find trolley routes by visiting www.miamibeachtrolley.com and track the trolley in real time by downloading the free Miami Beach eGov app.

Photo courtesy city of Miami Beach