A proposal to build a modern streetcar or light rail line from downtown
Miami to South Miami Beach is gaining increasing support now that a new
transit tax has been overwhelmingly approved by voters (see RTOL, Nov. 15,
2002). Dubbed BayLink, the $400-million line would serve the Miami Beach
Convention Center and many tourist attractions in densely populated South
Beach. Although strongly endorsed by Miami's mayor and commission and by
Miami-Dade County officials, some residents and business owners in South
Beach have voiced opposition, claiming the streets are too narrow for rail
cars and that traffic and parking would be adversely affected, both during
construction and afterward. But proponents point out BayLink would connect
with a future east-west Metrorail line and will provide an alternative to
private cars, which now clog both cities and the causeway connecting them
across Biscayne Bay. Officials in Miami are so supportive of the idea that
they are also considering an extension north through the city and say they
might build just their part of the line if Miami Beach balks. The
commission is expected to consider whether to move forward with BayLink
early this year. If approved, half the required capital funding would be
sought from the federal government with the remainder coming from state
grants and the new county tax.
