Tri-Rail board authorizes fare increase by August as railroad lobbies state lawmakers for funding

"No hard dollar amounts were proposed. But Tri-Rail's fares - between their rock-bottom levels and a convoluted zone system - have been a nettlesome issue for a management that has been traveling over dual tracks during the past year: Working to restore some or all of a state subsidy that was dramatically cut for operations, while positioning the three-county rail line for the long-term future."

"During a presentation on Friday to the board of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Deputy Executive Director Diane Hernandez del Calvo disclosed that the average fare collected by the rail line is a paltry $3.24. That's far below the double-digit fares collected by the high-speed Brightline railroad, which offers passengers higher levels of onboard amenities and faster rides among five South Florida cities."

"Del Calvo said the low fares are due largely to discount programs and the absence of any increases in years. Tri-Rail has not hiked its fares since 2019, she said. During Friday's discussion, Raquel Regalado, a Miami-Dade County commissioner and a transportation authority board member, said she would like to see the number of zones cut from six to two. Others agreed."

Tri-Rail's governing board approved pursuing a potential fare increase by August without specifying amounts. The commuter line's average fare is $3.24, driven down by discount programs and the absence of fare increases since 2019. The existing six-zone system contributes to revenue complexity, and board members suggested cutting zones from six to two. The board will review options for fare increases and zone realignment at its February meeting. Executive Director David Dech has sought restoration of state operational subsidies in Tallahassee and reported positive responses from lawmakers while balancing short-term funding needs with long-term positioning of the three-county rail line.

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