Tri-Rail welcomes 5 million passengers during 2019

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has published figures showing that Tri-Rail – the commuter rail line linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach owned by SFRTA – served a total of 4,495,039 passengers during 2019, its highest calendar year ridership record since beginning operation. 

The total is a 1.8 per cent increase on 2018’s passenger rate and represents an upward trend that the agency has been experiencing for the last three years. A national trend has also been reported by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), with Tri-Rail’s ridership increase matching national increases.

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority’s Executive Director, Steven L. Abrams, said: “This record achievement underscores the growing need for the reliable and economical service that Tri-Rail provides. People in South Florida are appreciating more and more the role that public transportation plays in their lives. Whether it’s to get to work or school, leisure travel, or just getting from one point to the next while avoiding highway traffic, mobility is being appreciated today more than ever.”

The ridership increase has been attributed to operational improvements, with Tri-Rail experiencing a banner year of over 90 per cent on-time performance (OTP) in 2019, including the highest OTP month – July, with 96.64 per cent – in its history. 

Abrams continued: “This was a great way to finish Tri-Rail’s 30th anniversary year but as it is my first year on the job, I feel this is just the beginning and I look forward to continuing this trend. We thank our passengers, supporters and staff for their part in this achievement.”