Residents of Miami-Dade with annual incomes below $35,910 can apply for a card that allows them to travel free on Metrobus and Metrorail, provided they meet the requirements set by the county.
The enrollment for the Transit Mobility EASY Card is currently open, as confirmed by the official Miami-Dade program page.
The benefit is aimed at residents of the county with limited resources and operates through a grant with limited funding, so cards are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.
Who can apply for the Mobility EASY Card?
The main economic requirement is to have an annual income of less than $35,910.
In addition, the applicant must be a resident of Miami-Dade and present a valid Florida ID showing a physical address within the county.
The card allows free travel on Metrobus and Metrorail.
It should not be confused with other free or reduced transportation programs in Miami-Dade, such as the Golden Passport, primarily intended for residents over 65 years old and certain Social Security beneficiaries, or the Patriot Passport, aimed at veterans who meet specific requirements.
The county also offers reduced rates for other groups, including students, individuals with certain disabilities, and Medicare beneficiaries.
The initial application must be submitted in person
Those requesting the Transit Mobility EASY Card for the first time cannot complete the entire process online.
Miami-Dade indicates that new applications must be submitted in person at the Golden Passport Office, located on the first floor of the Government Center Metrorail station.
The office is located at:
111 NW 1st Street
Miami, FL 33128
The schedule published by Miami-Dade for the Golden Passport Office is generally Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for holidays observed by the county.
What documents do you need to bring?
Miami-Dade requires new applicants to provide several documents to verify their identity, residency, and income.
Among the requirements are:
Florida driver's license or valid Florida identification showing a physical address in Miami-Dade.
Social Security card.
Proof of income.
To demonstrate income, the county lists documents such as the previous year's tax return, an official transcript of the return obtained from the IRS, or recent pay stubs.
Miami-Dade warns that it does not accept tax returns prepared by the applicant themselves as valid proof for this process.
In the case of individuals who did not file a tax return, the county may request the IRS Notice of Non-Filing for the previous year and the wage and income transcript issued by the IRS.
For new applicants, one month of recent pay stubs is also accepted as proof.
It is not an unlimited program: it depends on the available funds
Although enrollment is currently open, that does not mean that the benefit is guaranteed indefinitely for anyone who meets the income threshold.
Miami-Dade explains that the Mobility EASY Card operates thanks to a limited grant and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the available funds are exhausted.
For that reason, those who believe they meet the requirements can check the current status of the program before going to the office.
The specific contact number for the Transit Mobility Program is 786-469-5028.
The card is valid for one year
The Transit Mobility EASY Card is valid for one year.
The expiration date is printed on the card itself, and the beneficiary must renew it before it expires if they wish to continue using the program.
Unlike a new application, Miami-Dade allows certain renewals to be done by mail, email, or fax, by sending copies of the required documentation and the signed application.
Those who renew in person must resubmit identification, Social Security card, income documentation, and the latest issued Mobility EASY Card.
How much can a person save by using public transportation every day?
The current regular fare for Metrobus and Metrorail is $2.25 per trip, according to the official Miami-Dade Transit fare schedule.
A regular monthly pass currently costs $112.50.
For a person who uses public transportation every day to commute to work, study, or run errands, the Mobility EASY Card can therefore represent a significant savings over the year.
The Metromover, for its part, is already free for all users, regardless of whether they have a Mobility EASY Card or not.
Do not confuse it with the old period of free transportation for all
Miami-Dade has previously implemented periods of free transportation.
In November 2023, CiberCuba reported on a period when Metrobus and Metrorail were free for all passengers for several weeks as part of the implementation of the Better Bus redesign.
The Mobility EASY Card is different: it is not a general removal of fees, but rather a program aimed specifically at residents who meet certain economic criteria.
Other free and discounted programs in Miami-Dade
The Mobility EASY Card is not the only option to reduce expenses on public transport.
Miami-Dade maintains various programs based on the circumstances of the passenger.
Golden Passport: offers free transportation to certain seniors and Social Security beneficiaries who are permanent residents of the county.
Patriot Passport: allows eligible veterans to travel for free.
Discount-Fare EASY Card: offers reduced fares to certain Medicare beneficiaries and people with disabilities.
Student program: allows eligible students to use Metrobus and Metrorail at reduced fares.
Therefore, a person who does not meet the income threshold for the Mobility EASY Card can check if they qualify for one of the other programs.
What to do before applying for it
Before heading to Government Center, it is advisable to check on three matters:
That annual income is currently below 35,910 dollars.
That the Florida identification shows a physical address in Miami-Dade.
That the necessary documentation to prove income is brought.
It is also advisable to verify that the program is still accepting applications, as it depends on limited funding.
The latest information from the county indicates that registration is still open, making the program a saving alternative for Miami-Dade residents who rely on Metrobus and Metrorail daily.
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