Miami promised a 'Better Bus Network.' Riders say it hasn't delivered.

Ridership on Miami-Dade Transit dropped by 2%-10% every month between October and December 2025.

1 minute read

April 26, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Group of women wearing masks during pandemic era standing at bus stop in Miami.

Transit riders wait at a bus stop in Miami, Florida. | Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

Miami-Dade County bus ridership declined after the introduction of the so-called 'Better Bus Network' in November 2023, according to an article by Yaelis Pena and Caroline Choquette in the Miami Herald. "According to Miami-Dade County’s ridership data, Metrobus ridership declined every month from October 2025 to December 2025, with drops ranging from 2% to 10%." 

The bus network redesign increased high-frequency routes and eliminated or reduced service on other, lesser-used ones, forcing some riders to use more transfers or walk farther to reach stations. While it aimed to make the system more efficient, riders say the system is not predictable or reliable enough. 

In a response statement, Miami-Dade Transit wrote, "We are aware of the service challenges cited in this report, and are actively working to address them. Ghost trips are carefully monitored and we are investing in improved technology, bus operators, and vehicle availability to lessen their occurrence. We are also committed to reducing overcrowding." The statement outlines specific steps the agency is taking to improve service such as maximizing bus fleet availability, deploying additional capacity at peak periods and actively recruiting more operators.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Miami Herald

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

6 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

2 hours ago - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

3 hours ago - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.