Metrorail raising train service frequency to pre-pandemic levels. Here’s what to know

Metrorail on Monday returned the frequency of its peak hour services on weekdays to how it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Miami-Dade Transit.

The combined frequency of the Orange and Green Line trains increased during rush hour from every 7.5 minutes to every 5 minutes between Earlington Heights and Dadeland South stations, the county-operated company announced.

This means that the trains will alternate arriving every five minutes on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Luis Espinoza, special projects administrator at the Miami-Dade Department of Public Transportation, told the Miami Herald.

Here is what else you should know about the 25-mile dual track train service:

Weekdays

▪ Peak service: Green and Orange Line trains will alternately run every five minutes between Earlington Heights and Dadeland South stations.

▪ Off-peak service: Green and Orange Line trains will alternately run every 7.5 minutes between Earlington Heights and Dadeland South stations.

▪ After 8 p.m.: Green and Orange Line trains will depart together to provide service every 30 minutes. One track will be closed to do track preventative maintenance and repair work.

Weekends

▪ Green Line trains will run every 30 minutes.

▪ Orange Line trains will only continue to provide Airport Shuttle train service between Earlington Heights and Miami International Airport stations with service every 15 minutes.

▪ Passengers heading to and from Miami International Airport must transfer between lines at Earlington Heights Station.

Keep in mind

There are at least three things every Metrorail rider should know:

▪ Metrorail operates 5 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.

▪ Northbound trains travel to two different final destinations north of Earlington Heights Station: the Orange Line to the Miami International Metrorail station and the Green Line to Palmetto Station. Make sure you’re boarding the right northbound train.

▪ Metrorail connects to Metromover, Tri-Rail, Brightline, MIA Mover and South Dade Transit Way.

How to purchase a train ticket

Riders can pay directly at all Metrorail fare gates and Metrobus fare boxes using their contactless-enabled bank cards or digital wallets. Accepted digital wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Fitbit Pay. If using a contactless card or digital wallet, the fare will cap at $5.65 for unlimited rides per day, including transfers, on Metrorail and Metrobus. Fare gates do not accept cash.

Additionally, Miami-Dade Transit riders can purchase a mobile pass via the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. One-Way Mobile Passes will be automatically activated upon purchase. Metrorail fare is $2.25 per trip.

EASY Cards or Tickets are available for purchase at all Metrorail stations via ticket vending machines using cash or credit cards. Riders can also buy an EASY Card and pre-load it online at the Transit Store.