With over one million passengers annually, the Coral Gables Trolley has become a lifeline, helping residents and visitors reach the city’s most iconic destinations. The Biltmore Hotel, Venetian Pool, Miracle Mile and many more reputable stops adorn the trolley route. Since its launch in 2003, the free service has transformed how people explore and navigate Coral Gables.
“The trolley is a great way for people, especially students to get a ride that doesn’t cost them anything,” senior Emily Farinas said. “You don’t even have to pay for gas or parking.”
This October, the trolley will receive a new east-west service route, connecting with the existing north-south route. The new line will provide stops in Merrick Park, University of Miami, Sunset Place and Red Road. This project aims to improve accessibility, reduce traffic congestion and help serve areas of the city that previously lacked nearby trolley services.
“The new route will bring in new riders, but the trolley will also need to be reliable and easy to use to keep people coming back,” junior Anthony Almeida said.
Launched in 2016 with a 10-year vision, the Coral Gables Transportation Plan has created projects like the trolley upgrades as part of a broader effort to reduce car dependency, cut emissions and create safer, more connected streets for residents and visitors. Now, the city has the resources to begin implementing this plan.
The City of Coral Gables received a $1 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to improve their services and bring every stop into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, ensuring everybody has equal access to the trolley. The upgrades will bring new benches, trash bins and bike racks to enhance the experience for trolley riders every day. Stops along Ponce de Leon Boulevard from south of San Lorenzo Avenue to Douglas Road will receive shaded shelters.
“The Gables trolley is a worthwhile investment for the city. It’s very important because working people use it every day to get around,” Gables trolley driver Victor Romero said. “It’s a very necessary part of our city.”
More than 40 trolley stops are being upgraded to have new benches, bike racks and trash bins, with construction expected to continue into early 2026. Stops that are under construction will be barricaded, and passengers will be picked up from the nearest safe location. To make room for improvements, the city will remove 40 parking spaces along Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
While Miami-Dade County reports a 2.2% drop in public transit use in the past year, Coral Gables aims to reverse that trend. Expanded routes, modernized stops and increased reliability and accessibility along the trolley route send a clear message. The trolley is not just transportation, it’s part of Coral Gables’ mobility.
