Tri-Rail passengers who transfer to or from Metrorail can continue to do so for free. But starting today, passengers will need a special card to transfer between the two rail lines.
Early next year, passengers will have to pay for the transfers, possibly $40 a month for those with monthly passes.
It’s all because Miami-Dade Transit is switching to a “smart” fare collection system called Easy Card.
Charging for the transfers isn’t sitting well with some passengers who have done it for free ever since Tri-Rail service began in 1989. The Metrorail Transfer Station is Tri-Rail’s busiest station, serving about 1,600 riders a day, most of whom commute to jobs in downtown Miami.
“The increased costs will no doubt affect those who can least afford the extra amount,” said William Halvey, a Tri-Rail rider for the past five years. “I personally will accept the increase, but if it is more than $50 I will return to driving to the Golden Glades, and ride an express bus to Metrorail.”
The new, ATM-like Easy Cards automatically deduct fares at Metrorail gates and on Miami-Dade bus fare boxes. The cards also can be replenished online, by phone or at Metrorail stations. Tri-Rail plans to install the technology at its stations by early 2011.
To use the Easy Card, riders must tap them on the fare gate or box.
Tri-Rail passengers with monthly passes can obtain an Easy Card at ticket kiosks at the West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale Airport, Metrorail Transfer and Miami Airport stations. Each month, they’ll need to get a sticker at a kiosk depending on which monthly pass they hold.
Occasional riders without monthly passes will have to get an Easy Ticket at the Metrorail Transfer Station.
Tri-Rail spokeswoman Bonnie Arnold said officials don’t anticipate a huge last-minute rush to get the Easy Cards, which became available last week.
“People have been getting them all week. There will always be a few people who wait until the last minute, but we’re pretty confident we’re staffed up to handle it,” she said.
Michael Turnbell can be reached at or 954-356-4155, or on Twitter @MikeTurnpike.
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