Miami-Dade’s New Bus Network Changes Are Now Affecting Miami-Area Riders
Miami-area bus riders are now navigating Metrobus service changes that took effect on or after July 20, including western-route realignments, less frequent service on part of Route 37, the end of Route 132 and a split of Route 56 into Routes 56 and 57.
The Miami-Dade County Commission adopted Resolution R-379-26 on May 5, 2026. The resolution authorized the Department of Transportation and Public Works to implement the major changes beginning July 20. County documents estimate the package will produce about $2.01 million in annual net savings while restoring or extending service in parts of western Miami-Dade.
Routes 8 and 24 change western connections
The approved Route 8 and Route 24 changes were designed to address gaps west of Florida International University, including service along portions of Coral Way and Southwest 26th Street, access to University Lakes Mobile Home Park and a local connection to the Tamiami Station Park-and-Ride.
Under the approved realignment, Route 8 serves University Lakes Mobile Home Park on Southwest 8th Street on weekdays. Route 24 extends west to the Tamiami Station Park-and-Ride through Coral Way and Southwest 152nd Avenue on weekdays and weekends. The new western segments were authorized to operate hourly, while the routes retain more frequent service on portions east of FIU under the approved plan.
The Tamiami Park-and-Ride connects with Route 837 Express. For riders traveling toward downtown Miami or Brickell, the changes may affect which route number offers the most direct trip. Riders in the Tamiami and western FIU areas should check the current stop pattern and schedule before relying on a familiar transfer or one-seat ride.
Route 37 is less frequent between Airport Station and Douglas Road Station
On the Route 37 segment between Miami International Airport Station and Douglas Road Station, service changed from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday headways changed from every 20 minutes to every 40 minutes.
The reduction applies to that segment along Southwest 37th Avenue. Other Route 37 segments that already operated every 30 minutes were expected to remain at that frequency. The county cited low ridership and identified Route 42, which operates along nearby Southwest 42nd Avenue, as another option for some riders.
Passengers connecting between Miami International Airport Station, Douglas Road Station and Metrorail should allow more time, particularly during periods when they previously depended on 15-minute or 20-minute Route 37 service.
Route 132 ended, and Route 56 became Routes 56 and 57
Route 132 was discontinued as part of the July network changes. The county cited low ridership, including limited use of the Hialeah Market Tri-Rail Station connection.
The former Route 56 was split at University Station. Current county service information says Route 56 operates between Southwest 162nd Avenue and Southwest 56th Street and University Station, with hourly weekday and Saturday service. The portion running east and north from University Station to Miami International Airport Station became Route 57.
Route 57 now provides an hourly weekday and Saturday connection between University Metrorail Station and Miami International Airport Station. County schedules list Route 57 service from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays. Route 56 runs from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays.
That split means some riders traveling between western Miami-Dade, the University area and the airport may need a different route number or a transfer at University Station.
July service changes are separate from proposed budget cuts
The July changes are authorized and reflected in Miami-Dade County’s current Metrobus materials. They should not be confused with additional eliminations discussed during the county’s budget process.
WLRN reported July 16 that the Mayor’s budget proposal called for eliminating 12 Metrobus routes, including Routes 57 and 132. The County Commission was expected to review and revise the proposal before the budget was approved in the fall. That report described a proposal, not a final decision canceling or expanding the July 20 service changes.
Riders should check the current county route information, map and schedule before leaving, especially when making airport, downtown or Metrorail connections. The effect varies by route, stop, destination, transfer and time of day.
Sources
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