Public transit in Florida

florida map

How to get around by public transportation

Using public transport to get around Florida as an alternative to cars is a viable and highly utilized solution, thanks to the extensive network. Public transportation in Florida consists mainly of buses, trains, and cabs, while airplanes are ideal for longer distances.

florida public transportation: planes

Florida railways

The Brightline high-speed rail service in southeastern Florida connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, (an extension of the service to Orlando is being developed), while the Amtrak rail line provides passenger service between Miami and New York, with stops in several Florida cities.

Several other railway lines in Florida connect various cities and regions across the Sunshine State. Here is a list of major railway lines in Florida and the cities served:

  1. Amtrak is the leading national rail operator in the United States and serves several cities in Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Pensacola. The Amtrak rail lines in Florida include the Silver Meteor, Silver Star, and Auto Train.
  2. Tri-Rail is a suburban service serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. It connects the major cities within the Tri-Rail area, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
  3. SunRail serves the Orlando region and extends from DeBary to Poinciana, stopping in several cities in the region, including Sanford, Winter Park, and Kissimmee.

Buses in Florida

Long-distance buses, such as Greyhound and Megabus, are intercity road transport services for traveling between distant cities. They are generally considered a cost-effective option for long-distance travel compared to other modes of transportation, such as trains or airplanes, and connect several cities in Florida and other U.S. states.
There are also many city bus services in Florida operated by local authorities as we shall see below.

florida public transportation: bus

Uber and Lyft

Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and even smaller Florida cities such as St. Augustine and Key West offer a wide range of public transportation options, including ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft which are a convenient alternative to traditional cabs and are easily accessible via mobile apps. 

Many people prefer the more personalized and modern travel experience offered by Uber and Lyft over traditional taxi services. However, it is important to note that there are specific regulations for ride-sharing services in Florida. For instance, Uber and Lyft drivers must meet certain safety and insurance requirements and must be licensed by local authorities to operate. Users should be aware of these regulations and follow the guidelines when using these ride-sharing services.

florida public transportation: taxi

Miami area: public transportation

Public transportation in the Miami area is provided by Miami-Dade Transit, operated by the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. The transit service includes bus routes, subway, and dedicated transportation for disabled users.

Buses run on a variety of routes, throughout the Miami metropolitan area. There are also express bus services connecting Miami with nearby cities, such as Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, and Hialeah. The free “Miami Trolley” bus service, on the other hand, operates in the Miami Beach area and the Brickell neighborhood, offering an alternative for passengers who prefer to travel in a more eco-friendly way.

Miami-Dade Transit also operates a subway line called Metrorail, the fastest way to travel from Miami International Airport to downtown Miami and also connecting Coral Gables, Hialeah, and other destinations. There are numerous Metrorail stations throughout the Miami area.

For convenient and affordable travel within downtown Miami, the Metromover streetcar is a popular option and free service for all riders, both locals and tourists. 

Last but not least, Miami-Dade Transit offers a transportation service for the disabled called “Special Transportation Service (STS)”, which allows passengers with disabilities to book their trips in advance and travel in total comfort and safety.

Miami’s public transportation options are continually expanding and improving to meet the growing needs of the area’s population. 

The public transportation system in the Orlando area

Orlando’s public transportation system, known as Lynx, is operated by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, and provides a variety of services including buses, streetcars, and transportation for the disabled.

Lynx bus lines cover much of the Orlando metropolitan area, with dedicated routes connecting to nearby cities, such as Kissimmee and Sanford. To cater to night travelers, Lynx has also introduced a night bus service in Orlando that runs until the early hours of the morning.

For commuters who prefer the train, however, there is the SunRail line that connects the cities of DeBary, Sanford, Orlando, and Kissimmee. 

The disability transportation service in Orlando is called Access Lynx and is very concerned with the welfare of its passengers, who are provided with facilitated access, priority, and adequate comfort during all trips.

How to get around Jacksonville by public transportation

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) offers a wide range of public transportation services, including buses, monorail, and services for the disabled.

JTA buses reach much of the Jacksonville metropolitan area, and together with express buses connecting nearby cities, such as Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach, offer full service to citizens and tourists alike. There is also a free monorail service in downtown Jacksonville called the “JTA Skyway”.

In Jacksonville, transportation for people with disabilities is operated by JTA under the “Connexion” project, which ensures that passengers travel protected and in comfort.

jacksonville monorail florida

Public transportation in and around Tampa

HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) is a company that provides numerous public transportation solutions in and around Tampa, including buses, streetcars, and transportation services for the disabled.

In downtown Tampa, the “In-Towner” free bus service offers economical and sustainable travel options. To reach the suburbs, on the other hand, you can take the many buses that connect nearby towns, such as Brandon, Temple Terrace, and Lutz.

Also in the downtown area is the TECO Line Streetcar System that connects several destinations, such as the Tampa Convention Center and the Ybor City neighborhood. This streetcar line is a major tourist attraction in Tampa and is designed to provide a unique travel experience.

Finally, “HARTPlus” is a mobility service dedicated to people with disabilities.

tampa tram

The public transportation system in the Naples area

CAT, Collier Area Transit, which manages mobility in and around Naples, primarily provides bus services for Collier County. CAT buses reach all major destinations in the Naples area, including the towns of Marco Island, Immokalee, and Ave Maria.

The Naples bus network includes the city and the express lines. The latter are public transportation options designed to reduce travel time between neighboring cities, while local services provide regular connections within cities and neighborhoods.

In downtown Naples, “The Wave” free bus service, completes the transportation solutions made available to citizens and tourists together with the “CAT Connect” project dedicated to disabled travelers.

Tallahassee: public transportation

In the Florida Administrative Capital, StarMetro public transportation services include several bus lines covering the city and surrounding areas, totaling 22 surface routes with special service options, including night bus, service for people with disabilities, and airport transportation service.

Tickets for public transportation in Tallahassee can be purchased on-board or at the StarMetro ticket sales center. There are also discounted fares for students, the elderly, and people with disabilities, and a mobile app system that allows passengers to track buses in real-time, check schedules, and purchase tickets online.

Overall, public transportation in Tallahassee offers a reliable and affordable transportation option for those living in or visiting this Florida city.

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