Tri-Rail, operated by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), has been a vital commuter rail service in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, connecting workers, residents, and visitors to areas of employment and destinations within South Florida. Like many commuter rail networks, Tri-Rail identified the challenge of connecting passengers to and from their starting or final destinations, often referred to as the first-mile/last-mile problem. To tackle this, the agency launched targeted initiatives. 

In 2021, South Florida Commuter Services (SFCS), a program of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), partnered with Uber and other dedicated and non-dedicated services on a pilot study to assess the feasibility of a variety of these services as a solution for first-mile/last-mile connectivity at 18 Tri-Rail stations.

Following a successful pilot, SFCS fully transitioned management in August 2023 of the first-mile/last-mile program to Tri-Rail. Rebranded as Ride Partner Service, the new service includes partnerships with Uber, other dedicated providers, and non-dedicated alternatives. 

Today, the Ride Partner Service embraces a rider-centric approach by offering a range of transportation options to meet the unique needs of commuters. 

It includes a dedicated shuttle service and microtransit service, as well as non-dedicated alternatives like Uber and taxis. Depending on a rider’s pickup and dropoff information and specific accessibility requirements, that rider has the flexibility to select the ride partner that best suits their needs and preferences.

Tri-Rail riders who choose Uber can use a $5 discount valid for a total of 2 Uber trips per day to or from the 13 Tri-Rail stations in Palm Beach and Broward counties. They can access this subsidy throughout the week, aligning with train operating hours. 

Travelers seeking transportation between the West Palm Beach Tri-Rail Station and Palm Beach International Airport enjoy a $15 Uber Voucher*. This initiative can significantly enhance their travel experience while helping to provide a cost-effective, convenient solution.

Uber is a viable choice for most riders, but passengers needing wheelchair-accessible vehicles or additional assistance can request rides from a taxi service provider in their county. 

In addition to the widespread coverage provided by non-dedicated services at various Tri-Rail stations, the program also offers dedicated shuttle options specifically designed to connect passengers to vital stations and more frequented destinations, such as between the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at Dania Beach Tri-Rail Station and the airport itself.

Service area: 

Rider fare: 

Agency stats**

Ridership breakdown*

For other commuter rail systems considering similar partnerships to grow their ridership by improving first-mile/last-mile connectivity, below are some valuable considerations. 

As the program expands, it’s poised to serve as a blueprint for other commuter rail agencies seeking to enhance their services through strategic partnerships. The partnership between Tri-Rail and Uber has emerged as a highly successful initiative, significantly enhancing first-mile/last-mile transportation services for Tri-Rail commuters across Palm Beach and Broward counties. Tri-Rail’s commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience is evident through its strategies, including offering subsidies, enhancing accessibility, and prioritizing equity.

One notable advantage of partnering with Uber as a non-dedicated resource is the flexibility it brings to the expansion of first-mile/last-mile services. This flexibility allows Tri-Rail to rapidly adapt to its growing operations. 

During the pilot phase, riders initially received a $15 subsidy in the form of an Uber Voucher to utilize per Uber trip. The average cost incurred by Tri-Rail for trips to and from its stations amounted to approximately $10. Presently, the program provides a lower subsidy of $5 per trip, resulting in an average cost of about $5 for the agency. 

At first, Tri-Rail was concerned that reducing the subsidy might affect ridership. But commuters have shown consistent loyalty (and stickiness). According to the latest data**, the average weekly total Uber trips have significantly increased—by almost 96%—compared with earlier figures.

Tri-Rail plans to expand Ride Partner Service to 6 more stations, located in Miami-Dade County, including the highly anticipated MiamiCentral Station that will open in 2024.

At the heart of this program’s success is Tri-Rail’s unwavering commitment to improving first-mile/last-mile connectivity while simultaneously providing customers with a variety of choices. This multifaceted approach not only helps to enhance the customer experience but also holds the potential to reduce operational costs by optimizing the blend of dedicated and non-dedicated options.

*Uber terms and conditions apply and shall be provided upon distribution or claiming of the voucher.

**August 15 – October 14, 2023

If you’re a mobility manager interested in introducing Uber into your programs, please visit uber.com/transit for more information or contact Uber Transit at contact-transit@uber.com.