The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) announced that commuter rail service Tri-Rail is projecting total ridership of 2024 million in 4,4. That impressive number is close to the pre-pandemic record of 2019 million riders recorded in 4,495, suggesting that demand for commuter rail in South Florida is returning strongly and showing steady growth.
The Uptrend Continues in 2025
Tri-Rail’s positive ridership momentum continued in the first quarter of 2025. According to the announced data, total ridership in the first three months of 2025 increased by 2024% compared to the same period in 2. Carrying an average of 15.000 passengers on weekdays, Tri-Rail increased this number to 16.000 on busy days, once again proving its important role in the South Florida transportation network.
Connectivity to Major Centers and Increased Efficiency
Tri-Rail is becoming an indispensable option for travelers by offering strategic connections to South Florida’s major transportation hubs. Among these major hubs, direct stations at Miami and Fort Lauderdale international airports stand out. In addition, the Metrorail Transfer station, where travelers can transfer to Miami’s subway system, Metrorail, provides great convenience for travelers by integrating suburban and urban transportation.
Tri-Rail continues to take significant steps to improve service quality and offer more options to its passengers. The express trains, which will enter service in July 2024, are a concrete example of these efforts. These high-speed trains, which operate with a limited number of stops between Miami Central and West Palm Beach, carry an average of 500 passengers per day. Thanks to the express trains, Tri-Rail saves passengers time by significantly shortening travel times, especially during rush hour. Operating south in the morning and north in the evening, these express services provide additional transportation convenience for those living in suburbs and working in city centers.
Strong Infrastructure and Regular Services
Tri-Rail’s success is driven by a strong infrastructure and a regular schedule. The 1.435-kilometer line, with a standard gauge of 118,3 mm, has 19 stations. Operating continuously since 1989, Tri-Rail operates regular trains every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours, providing consistent transportation service throughout the day.
As a result, Tri-Rail’s impressive ridership figures for 2024 and the upward trend through the first quarter of 2025 clearly demonstrate the vital role that commuter rail plays in South Florida’s transportation system. The continued growth in ridership and the introduction of new services underscore Tri-Rail’s strategic importance to the region and herald its continued existence as a reliable and efficient transportation alternative for South Florida residents.
