Park & Ride facility planned for west Miami-Dade

MIAMI-DADE — Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz has announced that a new park and ride facility will be available to west Miami-Dade residents in 2017.

The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) at its board meeting approved a planning and environmental study for the park and ride using a $300,000 FDOT grant. The proposed new transit hub, which will be known as Dolphin Station, is planned on land owned by MDX and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) at the interchange of the Dolphin Expressway and Florida’s Turnpike. It will serve the Dolphin Mall and the adjacent cities of Sweetwater and Doral.

The planning study is the first phase of a joint participation agreement between MDX and FDOT, which also is expected to provide funding for design and construction of the $6 million facility, which is slated to open in 2017.

“Gridlock is a major concern for west Miami-Dade, and this park and ride will help address the problem by making public transportation a more convenient alternative for many commuters. Residents will be able to park their cars at the facility and take an express bus to Government Center in downtown Miami,” said Diaz, who represents the area where the park and ride will be built.

Miami Gardens launches community trolley service

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Gardens’ launched a pilot program of its new circulator service June 1 i at City Hall. The Gardens EXPRESS will operate two handicap accessible community buses covering the east and west sides of the city that will allow passengers to shop, visit and travel within the Miami Gardens area. The system is free to all riders.

The Miami Gardens EXPRESS has pre-determined stops located throughout the city at landmark locations and local roads to supplement Miami-Dade County’s current transit system.

Service will initially be provided using temporary limousine-style buses until the permanent trolleys are manufactured later this year.  Select stops along the EXPRESS’ east and west routes include City Hall, Sun Life Stadium, North Dade Regional Library, Florida Memorial University, Jackson North Dade Health Center, Shoppes at the Gardens, and Betty T. Ferguson Complex.

“The great thing about the Miami Gardens EXPRESS is that it is exclusive to our residents and visitors. It serves as a supplementary service to Miami -Dade Transit; thereby, connecting our residents to key locations in the City and to other transit connections that travel outside of our city limits,” said Public Works Director Tom Ruiz.

Family Fun Ride and Moonlight Movie in the Park

FORT LAUDERDALE — The city of Fort Lauderdale is asking residents to bring their family, friends, bikes, picnic baskets, chairs, and blankets to Joseph C. Carter Park on Saturday, June 13th from 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a night of outdoor activity and fun at the second Family Fun Ride & Moonlight Movie in the Park.

The park is located at 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.

Festivities include a five-mile bike ride from Carter Park and through the surrounding neighborhood led by Fort Lauderdale Police officers. (Helmets are required for participants 16 years and younger, but everyone is encouraged to wear one for safety.); screening of Disney’s family-friendly movie Big Hero 6; free bicycle registration and helmet fittings; softball games with city police officers (registration is required); and free food. To preregister or for more information email rosebelly63@yahoo.com.

Compiled from staff, wire reports