The future of South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter system is uncertain, and now local leaders from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties are asking lawmakers in Tallahassee to come to the negotiating table.
In July, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) made a surprise decision to cut Tri-Rail funding from $60 million down to $15 million. That dramatic reduction leaves Tri-Rail with just enough money to operate through July 2027. FDOT is also calling on the three counties to take over the cost of maintaining the state-owned railway infrastructure—a proposal that has sparked strong opposition from local officials.
Tri-Rail’s future in jeopardy as South Florida counties push back against state cuts
“This would be the equivalent of the state of Florida telling us, ‘Well, you run buses on I-95, so now it’s your responsibility to pay for the maintenance of that road,’” said Palm Beach County Commissioner and South Florida Transportation Authority Chairwoman Marci Woodward,
Commissioners from all three counties have now sent formal letters to state lawmakers, urging them to come to the table and negotiate a more sustainable plan…