I couldn’t resist hopping aboard Tri-Rail on Day 1 of its service to downtown Miami.
From West Palm Beach, my Saturday morning ride took about two hours and five minutes each way.
Brightline does it in an hour and 20 minutes.
Here’s the thing: Tri-Rail was $5 roundtrip with my weekend day pass.
What I learned:
Do your research. There’s a learning curve with Tri-Rail’s schedule, and not every train will connect with a quick transfer to the downtown station. On Saturday, friendly security workers at the West Palm Beach station weren’t yet versed in the new Miami service.
The Tri-Rail website has some info; its social media channels are also good.
Consider a scouting visit to your departure station.
Call customer service for advice at 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245).
Get familiar with the Tri-Rail app. Instead of fumbling at the station machine, you can buy your ticket through the app.
I dug out an Easy Card I had from years ago and loaded it with cash by calling 786-469-5151.
Charge your phone. A two-hour ride will drain your battery. Electrical outlets are only available at the seats that face tables in each car. (On Saturday, I couldn’t connect to the Wi-Fi.)
When the train arrives at the Metrorail Transfer station in Hialeah, be ready to move. There are 48 stairs up and over the tracks to get to the train that will soon arrive on the other side to take you the rest of the way downtown. There’s also an elevator.
Things are still new. Expect it to get easier. Tri-Rail officials plan to increase the number of trains downtown. They say that downtown passengers won’t have to switch trains in about a year.
What to do once you get there. Pair a cheap ride with a frugal day. South Florida on the Cheap has lots of ideas.
I walked a block to the Metro Mover (free!), which took me to the Perez Art Museum. Because it was the second Saturday of the month, admission was free.
Hack I want to try. Take Tri-Rail from West Palm Beach to Miami. Take Brightline home.
Saturday people at the stations
Lucy Rizo of Miami says she will now ride Tri-Rail to her job in Boca Raton. She expects it to take 90 minutes.
Maria Spina, at the Miami Central Station, plans to take Tri-Rail north to the Metro Transfer Station and south to Miami International Airport.
Dontavious Richardson, left, and Lee Rizzuto bicycled to West Palm Beach from Deerfield Beach and were waiting for the Tri-Rail back because they could board with their wheels. “When Brightline stopped transporting bikes, I wrote a letter to them and said, ‘You lost a customer,’” Rizzuto said.
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