MIAMI - July 23, 2012 – On Saturday July 28, Miami-Dade Transit Authority will officially open its newest Metrorail station at the Miami International Airport, providing a direct route for passengers going from the airport to the city’s center in downtown.

“Miami can now boast one of the most robust public transportation systems in the Southeast and join the ranks of some of the world’s greatest cities, all of which have direct connections between their airports and urban cores,” said Alyce Robertson, Executive Director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

The new Metrorail airport link will join a suite of public transportation options available in downtown Miami, including the above-ground Metromover, Downtown Trolley, Monkey Shuttle, water taxis and bike share programs.

“Miami is emerging as a magnet for foreign investment and urban living,” said Marc Sarnoff, City of Miami District 2 Commissioner and Chairman of the Miami DDA. “More transportation options mean increased accessibility, enhanced quality of life, and greater connectivity – all critical ingredients to solidifying our status on a global scale.”

The 2.4 mile Metrorail “Orange Line” extension to Miami International Airport was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP) – a half penny sales surtax approved by Miami-Dade voters in 2002. The new line, which took nearly three years to complete, will take passengers to all stations between Dadeland South and Earlington Heights, continuing west towards the new MIA Station.

According to the Miami-Dade Transit Authority, the average travel time from the downtown Miami station to the airport terminal will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes. It is estimated that an additional 9,000 people will access the MIA Metrorail station each day. Cost to ride is two dollars per person each way.

Miami-Dade Transit, together with the Miami Downtown Development Authority and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, will celebrate the launch of the Metrorail Orange Line on Saturday July 28 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center Plaza Station at 111 NW 1st Street in downtown Miami. Festivities will include free food, souvenir photos, and live music.

About the Miami DDA
The Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is committed to improving the quality of life for businesses, employees, residents, and visitors in downtown Miami.  As an independent agency of the City of Miami, the Miami DDA supports business growth, infrastructure improvements, and services for Downtown Miami residents and stakeholders. In addition to its programs and initiatives, the Miami DDA is partnering with the City and other government entities to strengthen Downtown Miami’s position as an international center for commerce, culture, and tourism. Through its DWNTWN campaign, which sponsors programs such as free outdoor concerts and special networking events, the Miami DDA drives consumers young and old to the region with the goal of supporting existing businesses and transforming Downtown Miami into a thriving, 24-7 urban epicenter. The organization is governed by a 15-member board comprised of three public appointees and 12 downtown property owners, residents and/or workers. For more information about the Miami DDA and Downtown Miami, please visit www.MiamiDDA.com.