Posted by: 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
- Circuit Transit
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.
Here's what's new and other options:
Circuit Transit provides a fleet of electric vehicles that provide inter-city ride-share options in several metropolitan areas. Prices and operating times vary per municipality. Rides are available on the the Ride Circuit app on Apple iOS or Google Play.
BocaConnect, Downtown Circuit Shuttle
Following is a list of participating cities:
- Boca Raton Circuit Shuttle rides vary but are capped at a “no-more-than” price structure. On-demand service available Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. (Saturday); Saturday: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. (Sunday); and Sunday: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. For more complete information, visit Public Transportation on myboca.us.
- Boynton Beach Coastal Cruiser transport service that costs just a few dollars, depending on zones. The service is available Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. For more details, visit Coastal Cruiser by Circuit on boyntonbeachcra.com.
- Palm Beach Gardens offers affordable eco-friendly rides around The Gardens Mall Thursday-Sunday. See more details and information at The Gardens Mall on ridecircuit.com Rides are free of charge; passenger limit of 5 per request.
- West Palm Beach: Service offers eco-friendly shared rides to and from fixed destinations and attractions, including Brightline, CityPlace, Worth Avenue, etc., daily between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. On-demand service costs up to $8 depending on your pick up and drop off locations, as well as the number of passengers in your request. See more details and service map at West Palm Beach on ridecircuit.com.
Courtesy: West Palm Beach TPA
Freebee Transportation Program in Wellington for seniors.
Freebee, a free, unlimited door-to-door, on-demand shuttle service, is now available to Wellington residents aged 55 and older. The service officially began in 2024. Service operates Monday-Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Credit: Wellington Parks & Recreation
Learn more at wellingtonfl.gov/Rides
To sign up, take your photo ID and water or utility bill to the Wellington Community Center at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. for a one-time registration. You can also email your information to rides@wellingtonfl.gov.
Palm Tran is Palm Beach County’s Public Transportation provider for fixed-route passenger bus service. Palm Tran Connection is a shared ride door-to-door, paratransit service that provides public transportation for residents with disabilities and ADA-eligible visitors.
Image: palmtran.org
Here are some useful links to get you started:
- Sign up for Palm Tran to use convenient features that help you get where you need to be. Download the app for either Apple or Android.
- Apply for Paratransit Service.
- Check out the free WPB Trolley.
- Consider a Palm Beach Water Taxi.
Also read our stories about:
What does it cost?
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-Rail system 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 across all six zones offers discounts for students, children, seniors & persons with disabilities. 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.
- Brightline offers SMART fares and monthly passes that unlock lower fares. Discounted fares are available with two days advance purchase. Stations are located in Aventura, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando.
- Palm Tran operates on a multi-level fare system. 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 (at CityPlace) 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 about $25 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 $20 roundtrip. Notice: No balloons or alcohol permitted on the island; bags subject to search.
Image: sailfishmarina.com
Bottom line: Plan ahead.
NOTE: All details, including prices and times are subject to change or cancellation. We suggest you confirm and verify this information before heading out.
Transportation in Miami-Dade County:
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