Public transit and other alternate transportation in Florida are no exception for safety. Keep reading to find out more!
When it comes to safety, public transportation and other alternative forms of transport in Florida are no exception. Florida school buses are equipped with satellite tracking devices and two-way radios. According to a computer database, they are routed, and stops are situated in central locations based on state and district guidelines. For this reason, school bus transportation is the safest mode of transport in the state.
In addition to providing information about different types of alternative transportation in Florida, this guide is also an excellent resource for addressing other transportation concerns in Florida. It includes traffic engineering guidelines and standards to address operational concerns of state highway systems. This guide is beneficial for people who have difficulty using a car or bus.
Here are some additional tips. Educating yourself on these issues will help you feel more comfortable and confident using alternative transportation.
How To Get Around Without A Car Safely In Florida’s Public Transportation System
Although Florida has a vastly different transportation system than other states, there are some general similarities across the state. Miami-Dade Transit is the 12th largest transit agency in the country. In contrast, other transit agencies like Lee Tran in Sarasota County, Manatee County, Orlando, and Space Coast Area Transit had lower ridership than Miami-Dade Transit.
- Yellow School Bus Transportation
When looking for safe and secure transportation, you can’t go wrong with yellow school buses. These yellow school buses are among the safest, most affordable, and most environmentally friendly forms of transport for schoolchildren in Florida.
The Florida Department of Education surveys drivers to determine the number of traffic violations they see when passing a school bus. In Orange County, for example, two hundred and seventeen vehicles passed by a stopped school bus in one year. As a result, drivers must take extra precautions to ensure they don’t violate traffic laws and check on the pedestrians while driving a school bus.
South Florida’s Public Transportation Network
While South Florida planners have been pushing for increased transit, commuters aren’t buying in. Lower gas prices, the rise of ride-sharing services, and an improved economy have all contributed to a decline in transit ridership. The decline in public transit is also attributed to the rise of Uber, a low-cost door-to-door ride-sharing service. While the service is not a perfect substitute for public transportation, it is an easy and affordable way to get around when you don’t want to wait for multiple buses or walk too far.
- Metrorail is a high-speed, elevated rail system between downtown Miami and the southern suburbs. The system is mainly helpful for locals and is not scheduled to reach the Miami International Airport. Fares vary by route, but fares are typically cheap compared to cabs. Metrorail is open 24 hours a day, six days a week, and costs $2 each way.
- Metrobus: The Metrobus is a bus service covering 95 routes in Miami-Dade County. It is convenient for getting around the city and can take you nearly anywhere in the city. However, it is expensive – about $20 per ride. But, if you’re in Miami for a long weekend or need to go to the beach, you can hop on the free Beach Trolley every fifteen minutes and ride for free. In addition to the Trolley, the bus company also runs express buses.
Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services have become extremely popular in South Florida.
- Services like Uber and Lyft allow you to book a ride without using cash, and they use GPS to find drivers nearby. At the same time, these car and Bike services have made it easy to get to different destinations in South Florida.
- Additionally, both Uber and Lyft have different passenger limits. For example, a family of four will require a larger vehicle than a single person.
- In Florida, ride-sharing companies are required by law to have insurance. They must be licensed and maintain a rating of 4.7.
- Additionally, Uber performs criminal background checks on drivers, and it hires third-party companies to do so. If a driver has any violations on their criminal record, they may be rejected.
Parking Garages
You may be wondering where to park your car in Florida without a parking ticket. There are many options to choose from, and many of them are free!
There are even parking lots that you can rent out on the side for extra money. However, if you don’t want to spend the money on parking, you should consider finding an alternative way to get around.
Valet Services
If you plan to visit Orlando or Miami, you can use a valet service to get around without a car. While it is possible to rent a car for a limited time, it’s best to plan your trip carefully. You don’t want to get lost in the crowds. Instead, find a place where you can leave your vehicle without paying a fee. Then, you can get back to your plans.
Furthermore, if you don’t have a car or are visiting Florida without one, you may consider valet services. Many of these services will retrieve your vehicle for you, and you can leave a tip.
Taximeter Prices
Many privately owned taxi companies serve Orlando. Rates vary from company to company, but they are usually metered. Orlando cab fares include the initial airport charge and a fee for each additional mile. Unless you are traveling with a large group, you may have to split the cost of two cabs. Beware of Florida airport cabs that try to rip off passengers. To avoid getting ripped off, always negotiate your fare before entering the cab!
The cost of a Florida taxi cab may vary based on several factors.
- The base rate, which can vary yearly, is usually about $2.50 per mile or less. These prices may include the charge for idle time.
- However, some taxi companies may charge more, and you should always ask for a receipt before you board the cab. You can budget your trip better and avoid being charged more than you should.
- Florida has a law that governs taxi fares. Taxicab fares in Miami Beach must be metered to meet this requirement. To ensure that your cab driver uses a meter, ask for a taxi meter guide posted in the rear window.
- In Miami, taxi fares are set by the Miami Dade County Government. Miami cabs must have a SunPass transponder. In addition to the metered fare, you will also be charged road tolls. Miami airport cabs and Port of Miami is required to add a $2 surcharge to meter fare. Then, tipping is considered normal.
GO Connect
GO Connect is Miami-Dade County’s new on-demand transportation app that matches riders with vehicles in the same direction. The app complements the existing mass transit infrastructure by providing flexible and affordable transportation options. You can reserve a ride online and pay for it when you get on the bus. GO Connect is also equipped with touchless entry, allowing riders to leave their vehicles without removing their shoes.
Sunshine Bus
Sunshine Bus, Florida’s public transportation – What is it? The Sunshine Bus is the only public transportation in St. Augustine. You can use it to get to Walmart, Saturday Market, and Outlet Malls. If you purchase a pass, the bus offers discounted passes, but don’t expect the bus to be a complete city bus service. Sunshine Bus routes only go to specific points in St. Augustine. Besides, they don’t run at night or on weekends.
Sunshine buses and Sunshine Flyer have started their service to Disney World recently. The buses will be themed like 1920s rail motor coaches, complete with uniformed staff dressed as train conductors. The buses will also have child safety seats and 3-point seat belts. You won’t have to worry about your luggage; the buses will not make you wait more than 20 minutes.
Key Takeaway
You’ve probably wondered how to get all the security measures for alternative Transportation that you need. Fortunately, you can get all the security measures you need from a single source – Ovadia Law Group.
Ovadia Law Group is a renowned personal injury law firm in southern Florida. They are easily accessible from major freeways and just west of the Miami International Airport with an office in Miami. The firm is located at 3625 NW 82nd Avenue, Suite 304. You can contact them at 1-800-674-9396 for assistance or learn more about the firm’s services.
The Ovadia Law Group has over a decade of experience helping individuals and families in Hialeah and South Florida. They represent injured people in personal injury, car accidents, and premises liability cases. Founded by Abraham S. Ovadia, the Ovadia Law Group filed over 1,000 lawsuits against insurance companies in its first year of operation. The firm donates to the Legal Aid Society of South Florida, helping victims obtain justice. With a team of experienced lawyers specializing in transportation law, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands.
