Tri-Rail, the South Florida commuter rail service, launched its weekday express service between West Palm Beach and downtown Miami on July 1.
The train will stop only at its station in Boca Raton, at the one servicing Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and at the Metrorail transfer station, which will allow it to shorten the trip time to 95 minutes southbound and 90 minutes northbound, about a 30-minute reduction.
Travel time from the Boca Raton station is 70 minutes to Miami and 64 minutes back.
The express train goes directly into downtown Miami and passengers do not need to change trains at the Metrorail transfer station.
The train will depart the West Palm Beach station at 6:30 a.m., stop in Boca Raton at 6:55 a.m. and arrive at MiamiCentral at 8:05 a.m. The return trip will depart MiamiCentral at
5:35 p.m., reaching Boca Raton at 6:39 p.m. and stopping in West Palm Beach at 7:05 p.m.
The one-way fare from West Palm Beach to Miami is $8.75; round-trip is $17.50. One-way from Boca Raton is $6.25 and round-trip is $12.50, all the same as before. Monthly passes are available as well as discounts for children, seniors and employees of certain companies.
“We are thrilled to unveil this new enhancement to our train service,” David Dech, executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates Tri-Rail, said in a news release. “By offering a one-seat ride and reducing travel time, we aim to provide an enhanced commuting experience for our passengers and attract new riders to Tri-Rail.”
Tri-Rail began planning the new service before Brightline eliminated on June 1 a monthly trip pass that had greatly reduced its fares. Brightline also de-prioritized riders who use the higher-speed train as a commuter service, concentrating instead on those taking trips to and from Orlando.
— Mary Hladky
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