📰 What Happened: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) unexpectedly slashed its annual subsidy from $42 million to $15 million—leaving Tri-Rail scrambling, even though it surpassed pre-pandemic ridership back in 2024 with 4.5 million riders. Despite this, FDOT cut funding after re-interpreting state law.

🔍 A Closer Look: The funding cut was buried in the latest state budget, approved by Governor DeSantis in June. The move blindsided Tri-Rail officials, who say the $27 million shortfall could force the line to close in less than two years. With no clear legislative support to reverse the decision, the rail’s fate remains uncertain.

🧠 Why It Matters: Tri-Rail is not only a rare commuter success story, it’s a vital economic connector for South Florida. A potential closure would impact millions of riders annually, disrupt regional transit planning, and be a huge setback for the area. Tri-Rail leadership is disputing the new interpretation and lobbying for full funding.