Ride the Future: New Light Rail to Connect FLL and Port Everglades! 🚄✨
Big changes are coming to Fort Lauderdale, and they’re set to revolutionize how we travel. Imagine speeding above traffic from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades and the Broward County Convention Center on an elevated light rail system. This ambitious project is more than just a dream—it’s on the horizon and could soon be a reality.
Broward County Transit officials are buzzing with excitement about the planned elevated light rail system. Approved about a year ago, the $4.3 billion project promises to be a game changer for the region. Coree Cuff Lonergan, the CEO of Broward County Transit, told Local 10 News, “It’s going to be a game changer,” emphasizing the transformative potential of this new transit system.
If everything goes according to plan, the first phase of the light rail system will be completed by 2028. This initial phase will cover a three-mile stretch from FLL to the Port Everglades and convention center area. But the vision doesn’t stop there—the system is expected to expand in the following years, with potential extensions reaching as far as Sawgrass Mills.
The new light rail system is designed to address several key issues:
- Traffic Relief: South Florida is notorious for its heavy traffic. The elevated light rail will offer a fast, efficient alternative to driving, helping to alleviate congestion on the roads.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The light rail will connect major hubs, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel between the airport, port, and convention center.
- Economic Boost: Improved transportation options can drive economic growth, attracting more businesses and tourists to the area.
Currently, the only rail-based transit in Broward County is the Tri-Rail commuter rail system, which connects Broward with Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, operating west of Interstate 95. Another proposed project aims to establish an additional commuter rail system running on tracks near U.S. 1, already used by the Brightline system.
The new light rail will complement these existing systems, enhancing the overall transit network in South Florida. If the project proceeds as planned, Broward County will join Miami-Dade as the second South Florida county with a form of rapid rail transit. Miami-Dade currently boasts the Metrorail heavy rail rapid transit system and the Metromover automated people mover.
Right now, the Broward light rail projects are in the environmental planning stages. While there’s no official word yet on when groundbreaking will begin, the anticipation is building.
The proposed light rail system represents a significant step forward for Broward County. As we look ahead to the end of the decade, the promise of a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly transit option is something we can all get excited about. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative project progresses.
