SMART Plan update - TPO deferred the decision on the plan to its August 30th meeting. Significant work required this week to prepare and participate.

After hearing hours of speakers, most against the improved bus plan, the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) deferred the decision on the plan to its August 30th meeting.

I appeared with other government officials and many residents -all of whom I thank for taking the time to appear and present so passionately. 

State Rep. Kionne McGhee (Left) and Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn (right)

We need rail, which will provide substantial release and if not rail then: “Why are we talking about spending a quarter of $1 billion to dress up what we already have? Why aren’t we working on a plan to get to where we really need to be"

Millennials said without real rapid transit they may have to find work in another town.

“My generation is tired of getting taxed every time we make a purchase in Miami and then see no results,“ said young voter Mark Merwitzer.

Why is this important? Rail will take significantly more cars off the road - per Miami-Dade County's own study (Page 26 of the Miami-Dade County DTPW South Corridor Rapid Transit Project, Preliminary Engineering & Environmental Report):

Don't be fooled - there is no middle ground, no interim step to rail

This meeting provided several important clarifications, including that as of now, there is no “middle” or “interim” grounds. It is clear that BRT will be a permanent mode of transportation if it is selected as “the locally preferred” option and built.  We should not be naive and believe another promise that BRT now will build ridership to where we can retrofit to rail.  There are 6 corridors to the SMART plan.  At best, we would be moved to the back of the line waiting for the remaining 2-6 corridors to be completed - which may be never.  

Media coverage: 

South Dade bus plan hits speed bump as board delays vote after demands for Metrorail, by Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, July 20, 2018

See the full CBS Local article online: Miami-DadeDefers Vote To Decide On Transportation Dilemma Until Late August, by Gary Nelson, CBS Local, July 19, 2018

Enhanced Bus Service Over Rail, A Step in the Wrong Direction, by Rene Infante, Community Newspapers

People left so fast, we were not able to get a complete group photo.  Thank you all.

The team has much work to do. We need everyone to get engaged in this effort that will determine the future of South Miami-Dade.

I want to thank our TPO.  I also want to specially recognize our County Commissioner, Daniella Levine Cava and Commission Chair Esteban Bovo.  We met with Pinecrest and Staff for both Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest and TPO/County earlier in the week to discuss this plan and our relative positions [Pinecrest voted 3-2 to support BRT, Palmetto Bay has remain steadfast in two prior resolutions (both supported 5-0) for Rail as the locally preferred option].

July 18 - I also want to thank County Commissioner Xavier Suarez for his leadership in working to unwind the 1/2 cent sales tax and reallocate it to its proper purpose.  I joined the commissioner, FL House Minority Leader Kionne L McGhee D-117th Naranja and local South Miami-Dade Mayors Peggy Bell D-Cutler Bay, Eugene Flinn D-Palmetto Bay and Cindy Lerner D-Pinecrest Coral Gables Commissioner Vince Lago for the PRESS CONFERENCE ON METRORAIL EXTENSION