Miami-Dade launches Metro Express, the nation’s longest all-electric BRT

Miami-Dade County has inaugurated Metro Express, that claims being the longest fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in the US. The new 20-mile line — part of the County’s SMART Program — was launched on October 22nd and connects Florida City to Dadeland South. It’ll begin passenger service on October 27, 2025.

Unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new SW 152 Street station, the project marks one of the most significant transit investments in South Florida in more than a decade.

The $300 million initiative was jointly funded by Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), each contributing approximately $100 million.

Largest BRT with electric buses in the USA

The Metro Express covers 20 miles along the South Dade TransitWay, positioning it as the longest all-electric BRT corridor in the United States. By comparison, Los Angeles Metro’s G Line spans about 18 miles, fully electrified since 2021, while IndyGo’s Red Line in Indianapolis runs 13 miles with 60-foot battery-electric buses. Looking ahead, Seattle’s Stride network will reach 46 miles when it launches later this decade, potentially overtaking Miami-Dade once in full operation.

Operated by the Department of Transportation and Public Works, Miami-Dade County’s Metro Express features rail-style service with dedicated lanes, signal priority, and 14 new signature stations offering level boarding, off-board fare payment, air-conditioned waiting areas, Wi-Fi, shaded seating, bike storage, and charging points, the county states in a press note.

The system is expected to strengthen the South Dade corridor, home to over 200,000 residents and 11,500 businesses, while promoting transit-oriented development.

Miami-Dade County began its fleet electrification with 75 Proterra ZX5 40-foot battery-electric buses, already in service within the Metrobus network. For the new Metro Express BRT, the county is deploying 60-foot articulated battery-electric buses provided by New Flyer models.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was joined by members of the Board of County Commissioners, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Congressman Carlos Gimenez, along with other federal, state and local partners at a ribbon-cutting at the newly constructed SW 152 Street station to commemorate this milestone moment for public transportation in South Dade. 

“With Metro Express we welcome a new era of transportation in Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The one-of-a-kind Metro Express promises to move more people to more places with greater reliability and comfort than ever before. This project is a game-changer for South Dade as it delivers on our promise to bring faster, more efficient, convenient transit options to our residents that will help us reduce congestion and connect people to jobs and opportunity – while at the same time protecting our air quality and our environment.” 

“Metro Express represents the future of transit in Miami-Dade,” said Stacy L. Miller, P.E., Director and CEO of the Department of Transportation and Public Works. “Every element — from our all-electric fleet to the thoughtfully designed stations — reflects our focus on delivering reliable, comfortable, and sustainable service. This is not just a new way to travel; it’s a new standard for public transportation in our community.”