The Miami-Dade County Commission will meet this Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center (111 NW 1st St, Miami) to vote on Metrobus service changes for the fiscal year 2026-27 that would completely eliminate 12 routes and cut night service on another 40, hitting Hialeah and Little Havana particularly hard.
The changes were included in the approved budget of $14.26 billion on September 18 after a marathon session that lasted until 5 a.m. on Friday. Although that vote restored overnight service on 45 routes, it left intact around $19 million in nighttime cuts and line eliminations, according to an analysis by Latin Times regarding the impact on night shift workers.
The affected routes: Is yours on the list?
The 12 proposed routes for total elimination are: 16, 25, 42, 57, 70, 132, 203, 204, 272, 279, 288, and 338.
The routes where service would be eliminated after 10 p.m. are: 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 32, 35, 36, 37, 40, 52, 54, 62, 72, 75, 77, 79, 87, 88, 101, 103, 104, 107, 125, 135, 137, 150, 183, 199, 400, and 510.
In total, the cuts would affect approximately 7,691 daily trips.
For many newly arrived Cubans and low-wage workers in Hialeah and Little Havana—employed in restaurants, security, cleaning, and warehouses in Doral—the Metrobus is the only option.
Rates and options for low-income residents
On the table is also a possible rate increase. The mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated it directly to the commissioners: "We need to raise the transit fare," she said.
The current fare is $2.25 per trip ($112.50 for the monthly pass) and, according to Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, it only covers about one-tenth of the actual cost of each journey.
The Metromover remains free for everyone, although its route does not reach Hialeah or most of Little Havana.
For residents with annual incomes below $35,910, Miami-Dade offers the Mobility EASY Card, which allows for free travel on Metrobus and Metrorail. The initial application must be made in person at the Golden Passport Office of the Government Center (111 NW 1st St, first floor), Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling 786-469-5028.
The session this Tuesday is public, and citizens can provide comments before the Commission makes final decisions. Any changes to the service require the Commission to approve alternative funding or adjustments beyond those already included in the budget.
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