Miami moves forward with light rail possibilities
Written by KeithMiami Beach City Commission has given the go-ahead to negotiate an interim agreement with the Greater Miami Transit Partners consortium, which has submitted the highest-ranking proposal for a light rail line in the city.
The city will now negotiate a long-term PPP contract with Greater Miami Transit Partners, which includes Alstom, to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the line. If the city cannot reach an agreement with the consortium it could open talks with the second and third-placed bidders, Connect Miami Beach and Miami Beach Mobility Partners.
Preliminary recommendations call for the construction of a loop serving South Beach, which would be built in two phases, each around 2.5 miles long. The first phase would run along 5th Street and Washington Avenue, while the second phase would continue the line along Alton Road and 17th Street. An additional loop along Dade Boulevard is also being evaluated.
The double-track line would be completely catenary-free and would run in dedicated transit lanes for its entire length.
The City of Miami Beach says both phases could be constructed concurrently, and a decision on how to proceed will be made following the conclusion of financial and technical analyses.
Public consultation began last month and environmental studies are due to be completed early next year.
