The Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) of Miami-Dade County convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding transportation projects, particularly focusing on the Flagler Demonstration Project and its future.

The meeting began with a review of the Flagler Demonstration Project, which aimed to test a business access transit lane along a 2.1-mile segment of the Flagler corridor. This project was designed to allow buses and vehicles to share a lane, facilitating access to local businesses. However, the discussion revealed that the project faced substantial challenges, particularly concerning traffic congestion and safety data. A recent capacity analysis indicated severe reductions in travel speeds during peak hours, with travel times increasing dramatically from 9 minutes to 30 minutes along the corridor.

Due to these findings, the project team recommended canceling the demonstration project as originally conceived. Instead, they proposed shifting focus to a feasibility study for an elevated fixed guideway transit solution that would connect Downtown Miami to Florida International University (FIU). This new direction aligns with community desires for a more effective transit solution, as expressed by several board members during the meeting.

The feasibility study is currently underway, with a timeline that includes public involvement and coordination with partner agencies. The study aims to evaluate different alignments and station locations, with a recommended alignment expected by summer 2026.

In conclusion, the CITT meeting highlighted a pivotal shift in transportation strategy for the Flagler corridor, moving away from the demonstration project towards a more robust elevated transit solution. This change reflects ongoing efforts to enhance transit options in Miami-Dade County, addressing community needs and traffic challenges effectively.