Brightline just rolled out a new South Florida commuter pass that some riders say is way too expensive.
Why it matters: The privately run rail service announced in January that its new commuter pass — funded by a $33 million federal grant — was “expected to save daily commuters money,” according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Reality check: The new passes unveiled this month actually cost as much as 125% more than the old ones.
- The Miami-to-West Palm Beach bundle costs $899 for 40 one-way rides, or $22.50 per ride.
- The old commuter bundle, called the SoFlo Solo pass, cost $399 for 40 rides, or $10 each, before Brightline discontinued it last June.
What they’re saying: “WHO can afford THIS?” local sports reporter Jeremy Taché asked on X.
- Taché, who appears on “The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz” and Fanduel Sports Network, said he used to be a “loyal” Brightline commuter before prices crept up to $399 a month, which he said was “tough to swallow but worth it considering our traffic patterns.”
- “@GoBrightline why do you only want rich people to have access to transportation?”
He’s not the only one complaining, as Miami New Times first reported…