MIAMI — Commuter operator Tri-Rail will consider the possibility of a 10% fare increase later this year as part of its effort to address a looming budget deficit.
At a Jan. 23 meeting of Tri-Rail’s governing board, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, board members asked staff to review the potential increase. The Palm Beach Post reports the agency estimates the move would raise almost $742,000 but lead to a decrease of 97,000 riders, based on results of fare increases on other systems.
The board will revisit the issue at its February meeting. Current fares for the 73.5-mile, 39-station system range from $2.50 to $8.75.
Tri-Rail faces a $30 million deficit when federal COVID relief funds run out, as well as a $27 million reduction in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation [see “Florida’s Tri-Rail says it could run out of money …,” Trains.com, July 23, 2025]. That has raised the possibility the operation could be forced to shut down in 2027. The financial issues come as Tri-Rail achieved record ridership in 2025 [see “Florida’s Tri-Rail sets ridership record,” Jan. 6, 2026].
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