DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING FY 2026-27 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS

Transportation Cmte · 2026-07-14 · legislation

This is a discussion item regarding the proposed FY 2026-27 budget presentation from the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) to the Transportation Committee. No specific project, site, or action is described. The document is a legislative discussion item, not a development application. The DTPW operates with a budget of over $2.2 billion and a workforce of 4,241. The department reported a transit funding shortfall of approximately $100 million heading into FY 2027, an infrastructure backlog exceeding $1 billion, and a workforce vacancy rate of approximately 20 percent. The farebox return was approximately 11 to 12 cents on the dollar. Approximately 40 percent of patrons paid nothing or half-price fares. The County subsidized approximately 80 percent of the system. The South Corridor project launched on October 27 as the first milestone of the SMART Program. The South Dade Transit Operations Center is expected to be completed in the fall. Vice Chairwoman Regalado recommended a Tri-Rail station at PortMiami, funded jointly by the airport and seaport at an estimated $30 to $33 million. She cited the developer-funded Little River Tri-Rail station as an example of RTZ-driven investment. She cited the $32 million spent on MetroConnect over four years. Chairman Gilbert III asked that the Golden Passport program be kept in place. Commissioner Bermudez referenced funds previously awarded for a bus depot near the former Miami Herald building on 14th and 15th Streets. The document does not state a decision, as it was a discussion item presented to the committee. The document does not state a specific address, parcel, acreage, or case number for a development project.