Public transportation can be a challenge to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the interconnected systems, but it can also be an essential mode of travel to the savvy, frugal-minded transit rider. In South Florida’s sprawling urban-suburban landscape, there are various levels of how a person can get from point-A to point-B and back, including the following:
Trains
Buses
Trolleys
Water Taxis
A simplified overview is that rail service is usually governed by the state with linkage to the nationwide network; public bus service is usually provided by the county; and local trolley service is usually run by municipalities, often managed by contracted, private providers. Plus, travel-by-water vessels comes in many forms, from a narrated sightseeing cruise to scheduled shuttle service to take visitors and residents to destinations on and around the greater Palm Beach waterways.
When you consider the cost of gasoline, tolls, parking fees and the time it takes to navigate thoroughfares and city streets these days, opting to “leave the driving to us” is becoming more popular not only for tourists, but also with residents alike.
Image: Tri-Rail.com
The Tri-Railsystem is comprised of six zones between Miami International Airport and Mangonia Station in Palm Beach County; weekday fares are calculated on the number of zones traveled. A roundtrip ticket among all six zones runs between $8.75 and $17.50. Students, children ages 5-12, seniors & persons with disabilities pay the lowest rates. A one-way ticket between two zones costs $1.75 and $3.75 on weekdays. Weekends and holidays, everyone rides for $5 on a daily pass or $2.50 one way. Passes and tickets are available at all Tri-Rail stations but they are NOT sold onboard the train. Read our related story about Tri-Rail connections and shuttles, etc.
Palm Tran operates on a multi-level fare system: One trip for $2, or $5 for a one-day pass. Seniors, students, the disabled, Medicare recipients, veterans with ID, police in uniform and children under age 8 may ride at discounted rates or for free with proof of eligibility.
The WPB Trolley System is handicap-accessible and makes getting around the Clematis and Rosemary Square districts a breeze. It is a FREE and convenient way to visit all your favorite shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Trolley picks up passengers every 10-15 minutes at designated stops throughout Downtown. You can track trolleys in real time with the WPB Trolley Tracker app. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.
Image: wpb.org
The WPB Water Taxi from Sailfish Marina offers a Peanut Island Shuttle service for day trips to enjoy snorkeling and swimming, etc., 7 days a week on a set schedule between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for $18 a person roundtrip.
The Riviera Beach Marina Village has a Peanut Island Water Taxi on the Intracoastal waterway, near the Lake Worth Inlet to take visitors to the 80-acre park with facilities and activities for swimming, fishing, picnicking and various water sports. Shuttles run about every 20 minutes during operating hours and cost $18 roundtrip. Notice: No balloons or alcohol permitted on the island; bags subject to search.
Image: sailfishmarina.com
Bottom line: Plan ahead.
NOTE: All events are subject to change or cancellation. We suggest you confirm details before heading out.
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