Tri-Rail train service to MiamiCentral in downtown Miami is expected to begin in November 2023, according to Miami Today.
The estimate was made this week by David Dech, the Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates the train service.
Ticket machines and signage for Tri-Rail are now being installed at MiamiCentral.
In April, Dech told Miami-Dade’s Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust that it had solved a major issue preventing the service from starting.
Previously, Tri-Rail’s trains wouldn’t fit next to the platform at MiamiCentral due to its stairs sticking out and hitting the platform.
Brightline’s platform modifications to allow the trains to enter the station have now been accepted, the report said.
Tri-Rail still needs to complete vast amounts of documentation, obtain Federal Railroad Administration certification of its trains, and complete staff training and certification.
On Monday, Tri-Rail announced it had received federal funding to replace 24 rail vehicles, representing 32-percent of Tri-Rail’s fleet.
The federal funds of $71.7 million will be combined with FDOT, reserve and other federal funds for the $179.2 million car replacement project.
The new cars will begin service in three years, with all fully in place in five years, the Miami Today report said.
