For China, it was the rickshaw, a unique device that preludes any form of modernism but is constant reminder of the persevering human labor the Chinese are well-known Miami architects. San Francisco has its very own cable car, an endearing touch to the quaint old-worldliness of the area. Experiencing different transportation devices should be reason enough to travel. They are time capsules on wheels, moving through history like ghosts of pasts or tints of the future.
A transportation device is man’s pragmatism at best but going through it is an experience in itself, simply because each culture has a variation uniquely their own. Miami is no different. Ground transportation is equally important to the tourists as to the locals. Good transportation will help lessen financial burden on the trip and segue extra money to recreation or accommodation.
Public transportation is the best way to experience Miami firsthand. The city has a lot of transport systems to choose from. The Metro is an important component in downtown Miami. The structure is elevated because of South Florida’s high water table. The Metrorail system gives a bird’s eye view of Miami’s metropolitan area. It runs from Northwest Miami-Dade, Medley, to South Miami-Dade, Kendall. It also has access to the Palm Beach and Broward.
The Metro serves over 22.4 miles of rail area, with the stations being only 1 mile apart from each other for their customer’s easy access. A standard Metrorail fare will cost $2.00 and is sold in easy-to-find outlets all over Miami-Dade. Trips are readily available every 30 minutes, 15 minutes during rush hours and services tourists and locals alike 7 days a week from 5 AM to 12 PM. For those using a rented car and would like to get the experience of using the Metro firsthand, there are safe parking areas in 19 of the Metrorail stations. This way you can go through the places without the hassle and tiresomeness of driving yourself there. It’s also a great way to avoid Miami traffic.
The Metro allows an up close view of how the people of Miami live day to day. It gives access to all kinds of passengers from students, businessmen, employees to senior citizens who each have a story to tell.
For tourists or tourists-at-heart who want to get a leisurely view of the city, a similar transport system is available. And it’s for free too! Being free of charge, the system has no conductor and driver for the trip. The Metromover takes a loop trip to downtown Miami, Brickell and other Omni business districts.
It will pass by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Miami City Ballet group and The Miami Herald, the leading newspaper in the city. Other historic buildings will also be seen such as the Miami Art Museum, Historical Museum, Main Library and the Stephen P. Clark Government Center. Add to this the sparkling view of the river above and Fort Dallas Park on its left.
The Metromover is actually quite easy to use even for an individual tourist. Since it has a loop system, the car will always go back to the station where you first rode from. Also, there are several electronic signs above the track to assist you to a particular destination.
For specific destinations from Miami Beach to West-Miami Dade and from Middle Keys to Broward, the MetroBus is available. What’s good about the system is that the Metrobus connects to the Metrorail and Metromover in with access to 90 travel destinations in Miami. The service is also available 24 hours a day and even has overnight service for those who feel like it’s tiring to travel during the day.
Miami’s ground transportation is a welcome convenience given that the place is already accessible and affordable from other States through Miami cheap flights. Most flights land on the Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale, just half an hour’s ride away from Miami.
