Big Weekend In Miami Tempts Drivers To Try Other Transportation
MIAMI (CBS4) – The tens of thousands who descended on Downtown Miami for a weekend of big events were already out in force Saturday morning.
On Friday night, fans flocked to the AAA to watch the Heat make it 25 straight, Ultra kicked off its second weekend, and drivers had to muscle through the traffic Biscayne Boulevard, where parts of the road are closed to accommodate the crowds.
To add to the traffic tie-ups, tennis fans are heading to the Sony Open on Key Biscayne.
South Floridians are just trying to survive the drive.
"Driving is insane, I hate it," said Johnny Flynn who is in town for Ultra.
CBS4's Gaby Fleischman found plenty of people opting for an easier route.
The Government Center Metrorail station was packed with people using the Metrorail and Metromover to get around downtown. "It was fast like 20 minutes compared to two hours driving probably and 50 dollar parking," said Ray Sanchez who took the Metrorail from Hialeah.
Irene Ferradaz of Miami Dade Transit said ridership goes way up with big events.
"Twenty-seven percent increase last weekend compared to the weekend before and we're expecting an even bigger increase this weekend," she said.
This is only the beginning. The Sony Open continues, Ultra goes on all weekend long, Saturday Alicia Keys plays the American Airlines Arena and the Heat play again Sunday.
The Metrorail and Metromover are extending hours until 1 a.m. all weekend to handle the crowds.
