New updated Grove trolley system has been approved

Great news for our Coconut Grove trolley system. The BID's Executive Committee approved the proposed "Ultimate Alignment" Coconut Grove trolley route on Monday, June 27, 2016.

In January, the City approved the purchase of two City trolleys, subject to the City of Miami absorbing the operation and maintenance costs.

On June 22, the BID Board approved up to $300,000 for the purchase of two City of Miami trolleys as part of the expenditure plan. Currently the trial trolley is running.

Without the contribution of the BID this route would not be a possibility. "The City of Miami went out of their way to make this a reality and I think it’s a win for everyone," says Manny Gonzalez, Executive Director of the BID. 

Manny tells me that the board is thrilled and I am sure we all are. This has been a long time coming.

The potential trolley route will almost cover every important area of Coconut Grove, including the two Metrorail stations and even the small area round Shell Lumber near 28 Lane. It will connect with trolleys at Mercy Hospital which will allow access to Brickell Avenue and Downtown Miami; and at the Douglas Metrorail station, the Coral Gables trolley connects, so there is access to the Gables with a transfer. The Grove trolley will also stop at Merrick Park. 

All these trolleys are free of charge.

It will cover 10.76 miles and have four trolleys. The cost is $1.04 million a year. The County needs to provide final approval and then it's a go, which is a sure thing as the trolleys are being built now. No actual start date yet until the new trolleys are ready.

If you click on the image above, it will open a bit larger.