Miami-Dade mass transit impacted amid coronavirus

Need a ride to work? South Florida’s coronavirus shutdown has impacted mass transit. Here are some changes you need to know:

Brightline/Virgin Train

On Wednesday, Virgin Trains USA, the parent company of the Brightline express train, suspended all train services in South Florida and laid off 250 South Florida workers amid the coronavirus concerns. The last northbound departure from Miami left at 5:50 p.m.

“Like all businesses, we are operating in a period of uncertainty which may last several months. Although a difficult decision, we have decided to temporarily suspend Brightline service in the best interest of the entire South Florida community as we all seek to flatten the curve,” Brightline President Patrick Goddard said in a statement.

Construction will continue on Brightline’s project to build a connection between Orlando and West Palm Beach, Goddard said. For both refundable and nonrefundable fares, riders will be credited for the fare to use on a future booking. Special event tickets will receive a full refund within five business days.

Tri-Rail

As of Monday, Tri-Rail trains are running regular service. Riders are asked to check tri-rail.com or on Twitter @Tri_Rail for updates.

Uber

As of Tuesday, riders in the U.S. and Canada will receive an in-app message once the app is opened reminding them to “flatten the curve” or “travel only when necessary.”

Uber Pool, which makes fares cheaper by allowing drivers to have up to four riders traveling a similar route in the vehicle at the same time, is temporarily suspended. All other ride options remain unchanged.

Lyft did not respond to a request for comment.

Trolleys

If you take trolleys, make sure you check with your city to see if there are any service change.

The Miami Beach Trolley system, for example, has suspended its 11th Street Loop until further notice, and the city will suspend all trolley services starting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Miami-Dade Transit has reduced service frequency and has suspended all transit fees for Metrorail and Metrobuses.

Metrorail

Both the Orange line and Green line will continue to run on weekdays, from 5 a.m. to midnight, with a reduced schedule. Metrorail weekend services remain unchanged.

Passengers heading to the Miami International Airport station will need to transfer at Earlington Heights station to catch the Orange Line train.

During morning and afternoon peak hours, Metrorail Green Line trains traveling between Dadeland South and Palmetto stations will run every 15 minutes.

Metromover

Continues to operate from 5 a.m. to midnight with a reduced schedule on weekdays. Metromover weekend services will remain unchanged.

Miami-Dade Transit says Metromover is running at a reduced frequency of seven minutes during peak hours.

Metrobus

Most bus routes also have a reduced schedule. To check your service route, visit www.miamidade.gov /transportation-publicworks /service_updates.asp

Riders are asked to enter and exit through the rear doors to limit “non-essential interactions,” according to Miami-Dade Transit. Riders who need the ramp will still be accommodated.

The Keys are closed to visitors and tourists but Route 302 Card Sound Express and Route 301 Dade-Monroe Express will still service Keys residents and workers, according to Miami-Dade Transit.

Rentable Scooters, bicycles, moped

Scooter rentals are temporarily suspended, including bike-sharing programs.

Marinas

Marinas and boat launches, as well as docking, fueling, marine supply and other services are closed at all Miami-Dade County owned or operated marinas.

Exceptions include:

Boats or ferries in support of PortMiami or Fisher Island operations

People who live aboard a boat

Fishermen with a commercial saltwater license issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Patrols, law enforcement and rescue activity by federal, state and local government agencies

People returning to the United States from international voyages

Those who need to remove their boat from the water or to perform emergency maintenance.

CITY OF MIAMI

Trolleys

The city of Miami’s 13 free trolley routes are running, but hours have been reduced. All routes will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Scooter, bicycles, mopeds

Suspended until further notice, including the city’s Motorized Scooter Pilot Program and Citibike Shared Bicycle Program

Marinas

All public boat ramps and marinas are closed, including the Miamarina at Bayside, Dinner Key Marina and the Mooring Field and Marine Stadium Marina.

The city says marinas that are partially operating because of liveaboards will be open for patrons between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.