Dade Transit To Introduce New Monthly Pass

MIAMI (CBS4) – Miami-Dade residents who rely on the county's buses and trains to get around will soon have a new way to do so seamlessly beginning next month.

Miami-Dade Transit and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority will introduce a Regional Monthly Pass at the end of this month. Loaded on an EASY Card, the pass will allow for a seamless transfer between Tri-Rail and Miami-Dade Transit's Metrorail and Metrobus systems.

"The implementation of the Tri-Rail/MDT Regional Monthly Pass is the first step toward a seamless, fully integrated transit system for the people of South Florida. I look forward to the day when passengers can travel between all three counties in our region using just one efficient, economical fare medium," said SFRTA Chair, Commissioner Kristin Jacobs in a statement.

The pass will cost $140 and allow the holder to have unlimited rides on both systems during a calendar month. Discounted rates are available for those enrolled in employee discount programs, and for those who qualify for discounted rates.

The Regional Monthly Pass will be available for purchase on September 26, 2011.

Passengers who don't purchase a monthly pass will pay their transfer fees by loading cash onto their EASY Card. The cost to transfer from Tri-Rail to Metrorail will be $1, to Metrobus will be 50 cents, and to an Express Bus will be 85 cents. Passengers without the Regional Monthly Pass will pay regular fare when traveling on MDT's system for their return trip.

Studies are currently underway to determine how Broward County Transit and Palm Tran Buses can be integrated into the system to allow for a truly seamless regional transportation network.