REIMBURSEMENT FOR DISCONTINUED I-95 EXPRESS ROUTES

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · resolution

Resolution authorizing $3,896,702 in Charter County Transportation Surtax Bond Program funds to reimburse the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works operating fund for a payment to the Florida Department of Transportation for depreciated value and unauthorized mileage on 15 buses originally purchased for the discontinued I-95 Express Bus Service routes. The routes were permanently discontinued in March 2020 due to ridership decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and bus operator shortages. The buses were redeployed to other routes, which was inconsistent with FDOT grant requirements. FDOT requested reimbursement on September 9, 2024; payment was remitted to FDOT on January 12, 2026. The item was deferred at the July 21, 2026 Board meeting to September 1, 2026. The Transportation Committee forwarded it to the Board with a favorable recommendation on June 9, 2026. The scope is countywide, but the discontinued routes primarily served District 3 and District 5. The total purchase cost for the 15 buses was $8,139,630, funded through FDOT Grant G0350 and approved by Resolution No. R-936-16. The buses were placed into service in January 2017 and operated on Routes 195/295 and 196/296, connecting Broward Boulevard and Sheridan Street to Downtown Miami and the Civic Center. The total FDOT reimbursement request for 28 buses is $9,658,133.83; this item addresses the $3,896,702 portion for 15 buses. The balance of $5,761,431.83 relates to other procurements. The item requires review by the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust. No public comment or stakeholder sentiment is stated in the document.