Miami Offers Cautionary Tale for Those Enchanted by Transportation Tax Referendums

After Atlanta's failed transportation tax referendum, commentators from across the country lamented the region's missed opportunity. Yonah Freemark looks south to Miami, a cautionary example where lofty goals for expanded transit have come up short.

1 minute read

August 7, 2012, 6:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


With the opening of the 2.4-mile, one-stop Metrorail Orange Line extension to the Airport last weekend, completed at a cost of $506 million, Miami-Dade voters welcomed the "centerpiece" of the People's Transportation Plan (PTP), a 1/2¢ sales tax increase approved in 2002. Unfortunately, this line is the only portion of the "enormous expansion" of Metrorail that was supposed to be funded by the tax increase.

While "an impressive addition to the city's transit network," the extension offers a cautionary example of how rising construction costs (and low cost estimates) and disappointing tax revenues can sink ambitious transportation expansion plans. 

"Does this mean Miami's new Metrorail extension is a waste of funds?" asks Freemark. "Not necessarily - especially considering Miami's distinctive position as
the 'capital of the Caribbean' - attracting millions of visitors and
business people each year through the airport. If the city's growth
continues to be based on its status in Latin America, the airport
connection may be invaluable."

"Miami, however, is a parable: Voters will not always receive that which they believe to have endorsed."

 

Sunday, August 5, 2012 in the transport politic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today