Resolution 2023-32644 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32644
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI
BEACH FLORIDA, WAIVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE
BIDDING REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 2-367(E) OF THE CITY CODE,
FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY,AND
ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS MAY 24, 2023 MEETING, DIRECTING
THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO (1) NEGOTIATE A ONE (1) YEAR
AGREEMENT BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2024 WITH POSEIDON FERRY,
LLC TO PROVIDE A WATER TAXI SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM ("PILOT
PROGRAM") BETWEEN MIAMI BEACH AND DOWNTOWN MIAMI; (2)
IDENTIFY FUNDING; (3) IDENTIFY LOCATIONS WHERE OPERATION WILL
BE CONDUCTED; AND (4) DEFINE THE CITY CONTRIBUTION, AND FARE
STRUCTURE FOR THE PILOT PROGRAM; AND FURTHER REQUIRING
THAT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE
MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, a water taxi is a watercraft that provides public transport service, usually,
but not always, in an urban environment; and
WHEREAS, aside from being an attraction to tourists who enjoy the scenic cross-bay
route, more importantly, water taxi service can also provide a convenient and reliable alternative
mobility option to commuters traveling daily to and from Downtown Miami and the City of Miami
Beach ("City"), connecting various destinations in the City and on the mainland; and
WHEREAS, on January 2012, the City's Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority
("MWPA") discussed this subject and passed a resolution recommending that the City develop
a plan for waterborne transportation services within the City and to mainland Miami; and
WHEREAS, on July 23, 2014, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2014-28665
directing the City Administration to prepare an Invitation to Negotiate ("ITN") to seek proposals
from qualified firms interested in providing the City with waterborne public transportation
services; and
WHEREAS, the ITN resulted in only one (1) responsive and responsible bidder, Water
Taxi Miami, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the City executed a contract with Water Taxi Miami, Inc. to operate a one
(1) year water taxi pilot program from December 30, 2016 to December 30, 2017, at no cost to
the City; and
WHEREAS, due to its high fares, weekend-only service, and infrequent weekday service,
the pilot was not deemed a practical, competitive, reliable, convenient, or financially viable
operation and was terminated on December 30, 2017; and
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2020, Poseidon Ferry LLC("Poseidon") presented a water
ferry service operating plan to the City's Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA);
and
WHEREAS, Poseidon launched service on November 29, 2020, using a double-deck
vessel with an air-conditioned lower deck; and
WHEREAS, Poseidon's water taxi service was privately owned and operated, with no
public subsidy from Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, or the City; and
WHEREAS, the service was suspended on December 31, 2022 due to low ridership; and
WHEREAS, on March 27, 2023, at the request of Commissioner David Richardson, the
City Commission referred a discussion (Item C4 N) to the Finance and Economic Resiliency
Committee ("FERC")to discuss implementing a water taxi/ferry service in the City, and providing
a potential subsidy for the program, in an effort to reduce the fares charged to passengers and
promote an alternative mode of transportation between Miami Beach and downtown Miami; and
WHEREAS, Poseidon represented that the net annual operating and maintenance cost
of the service was approximately $600,000.00 per year for one (1) vessel operating seven (7)
days a week at a service frequency of one (1) hour from Sunday to Friday (from 7:30 a.m. to
7:30 p.m.) and limited departures on Saturday; and
WHEREAS, during the May 24, 2023 FERC meeting, the Committee discussed the item
and passed a motion, recommending a waiver of the formal competitive bidding process, if
required to do so, and directing the Administration to: (1)proceed with negotiating a one-year pilot
program with Poseidon, commencing during FY 2024, including related contract terms, such as
identifying the locations where the operations would be conducted, the final City contribution
toward the operation of the program, and the fare structure for use of the services; and
WHEREAS, on March 27, 2023, at the request of Commissioner Steven Meiner, the City
Commission referred a discussion (Item C4 0)to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of
Life Committee ("PSNQLC") and the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC") to
discuss obtaining federal, state and county funding to implement a free water taxi/ferry service
program in Miami Beach, to incentivize residents to use water taxis as an alternative mode of
transportation; and
WHEREAS, following the May 23, 2023 PSNQLC meeting, the Administration is
submitting a companion agenda item, recommending that the City Administration: (1) study the
possibility of developing a new dock, and the various components of such a development,
including the cost and possible funding sources for a local match, should any State and Federal
grants be available; (2) add a water taxi/ferry service to the City's list of legislative priorities; (3)
refer the discussion of the development of a new dock to the Marine and Waterfront Protection
Authority and the Transportation, Parking and Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee to discuss
and seek input on the appropriate location for a new dock; and (4) explore the different
components of a water ferry program, including evaluating the different approaches to the service
operating plans and vessel type/technologies, in anticipation of an issuance of a competitive
solicitation for the service; and
WHEREAS, based upon the foregoing, and in preparation for the anticipated issuance of
a competitive bidding solicitation for a water ferry service,the City Manager recommends waiving,
by 5/7th vote, the formal competitive bidding requirement in Section 2-367(e) of the City Code,
finding such waiver to be in the best interest of the City, and accepting the recommendation of
the FERC, at its May 24, 2023 meeting, to utilize FY 2024 funds and negotiate a one-year pilot
program with Poseidon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby waive, by 5/7th vote, the formal competitive bidding requirement in Section
2-367(e) of the City Code, finding such waiver to be in the best interest of the City, and accept
the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, at its May 24, 2023
meeting, directing the City Administration to(1) negotiate a one (1)year agreement beginning in
fiscal year 2024 with Poseidon Ferry, LLC to provide a water taxi service pilot program ("Pilot
Program") between Miami Beach and Downtown Miami; (2) identify funding; (3) identify locations
where operation will be conducted; and (4) define the City contribution, and fare structure for the
Pilot Program; and further require that the final agreement be subject to approval by the Mayor
and City Commission.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 28th day June, 2023.
ATTEST:
Dan Gelber, Mayor
47Y JUL - 5 2023
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
kINCORPt.,ORATED
G 0
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
&FOR
EXECUTION
1 O 6- -2.2
City Attorney :I Date
.i► f
Resolutions-C7 R
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: June 28, 2023
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS MAY
24, 2023 MEETING, WAIVING THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING
REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 2-367(E) AND DIRECTING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION TO (1) NEGOTIATE A ONE (1) YEAR AGREEMENT
BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2024 WITH POSEIDON, LLC TO PROVIDE
A WATER TAXI SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM ("PILOT PROGRAM")
BETWEEN MIAMI BEACH AND DOWNTOWN MIAMI; (2) IDENTIFY
FUNDING; (3) IDENTIFY LOCATIONS WHERE OPERATION WILL BE
CONDUCTED; AND (4) DEFINE THE CITY CONTRIBUTION, AND FARE
STRUCTURE FOR THE PILOT PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission ("City Commission")
approve the Resolution.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
A water ta)d is a watercraft that provides public transport service, usually, but not always, in an urban
environment. The service may be fixed schedule/fixed route with multiple stops, operating similarly to
a bus, or on-demand to many locations, operating similarly to a tab.Aside from being an attraction to
tourists who enjoy the scenic cross-bay route, more importantly, water tab service can also provide a
convenient and reliable alternative mobility option to commuters traveling daily to and from Downtown
Miami and the City of Miami Beach ("City"), connecting various destinations in the City and on the
mainland.
In January 2012, the City's Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority ("MWPA") discussed this
subject and passed a resolution recommending that the City develop a plan for waterborne
transportation services within the City and to mainland Miami The recommendation included the
development of a pier or dock at the Lincoln Road street-end with the potential for additional dock
locations at 5 Street, 10 Street, 14 Street, and the Purdy Avenue Dock at Maurice Gibb Park.
At the October 28, 2013 Neighborhood and Community Affairs Committee ("NCAC") meeting, the
NCAC recommended that the City Administration explore the feasibility of the proposed dock
Page 788 of 1808
locations, gather more details regarding the potential service, and provide an update to the NCAC.
On Decanter 11, 2013, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2013-28430 (Attachment A),
accepting the recommendation of the NCAC.
At the April 30, 2014 NCAC meeting, City staff provided feedback regarding potential locations for
water taxi terminals and recommended conducting public meetings to obtain community input
regarding potential water taxi dock locations. The NCAC recommended that prior to conducting any
public meetings, staff conduct a survey of City employees to determine if water taxi service would
provide a suitable alternative to commute to work.
On July 23, 2014, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2014-28665 (Attachment B),
rejecting the NCAC's recommendation and, instead, directed the City Administration to prepare an
Invitation to Negotiate ("ITN") to seek proposals from qualified firms interested in providing the City
with waterbome public transportation services. Pursuant to this direction, the City issued an ITN for
a pilot cross-bay waterbome transportation service. The solicitation required that the water taxi
service be provided at no cost to the City and that the operator provide all necessary infrastructure,
including a docking facility, for the safe operation of the service. The ITN resulted in only one (1)
responsive and responsible bidder ("Water Taxi Miami, Inc."). As such, the City executed a contract
with Water Taxi Miami, Inc. to operate a one (1) year water taxi pilot program from December 30,
2016 to December 30, 2017, at no cost to the City, connecting the Purdy Avenue Dock at Maurice
Gibb Park, Sea Isle Marina at Omni, Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami, and the Miami
Beach Marina. Due to its high fares,weekend-only service, and infrequent weekday service, the pilot
was not deemed a practical, competitive, reliable, convenient, or financially viable operation and was
terminated on December 30, 2017.
•
On September 8, 2020, Poseidon Ferry LLC ("Poseidon") presented a water ferry service operating
plan to the MWPA. Poseidon launched service on November 29, 2020, using a double-deck vessel
with an air-conditioned lower deck. The water taxi service was privately owned and operated with no
public subsidy from Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, or the City. The service provided
connectivity to and from the Hyatt Regency located at 400 SE 2nd Avenue in Downtown Miami and
the Bentley Bay Marina located at 520 West Avenue in Miami Beach,where the water taxi connected
to the County's MetroMover system and the South Beach Trolley service, respectively. Service
commencement was shared with the City Commission via LTC No. 422-2020 (Attachment C).
Poseidon's fare structure was competitive with current public transit fares ($3 per passenger each
way for commuters). Per Poseidon, the net annual operating and maintenance cost of the service
was approximately $600,000 for one (1) vessel operating seven (7) days a week at a service
frequency of one(1) hour from Sunday to Friday(from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and limited departures
on Saturday. The service was suspended on December 31, 2022 due to low ridership.
On March 27, 2023, at the request of Commissioner David Richardson, the City Commission
referred a discussion (Item C4 N) to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC") to
discuss implementing a water taxi/ferry service in the City, and providing a potential subsidy for the
program, in an effort to reduce the fares charged to passengers and promote an alternative mode of
transportation between Miami Beach and downtown Miami.
During the May 24, 2023 FERC meeting, the Committee discussed this item and passed a
motion to proceed with a pilot program with Poseidon, authorizing the City Administration to
negotiate an agreement with Poseidon and work with Poseidon to identify the locations where
the operations will be conducted, and recommending waiver of the competitive bidding process
if required to do so, with the final City contribution and related terms, such as the discounted
Page 789 of 1808
rates,to be determined in the agreement.
FERC recommended in favor of moving the item to the City Commission for consideration of its
motion.
ANALYSIS
Water taxi service could provide an alternative mode of transportation for residents, visitors, and
workforce using waterways between the cities of Miami Beach and Miami. This connectivity is
essential for residents who work, study, or engage in recreational activities in both cities. Currently,
the options available to residents, visitors, and workforce are to use their personal vehicles or
micromobility device, taxi/ride-share services, or public transportation (Miami-Dade County buses).
However, with an efficient cross-bay water taxi service, residents, visitors, and workforce can avoid
traffic congestion on the causeways and reduce travel time, making it a convenient, attractive, and
affordable commuting option.
Based on information received from Poseidon, which operated ferry service between Miami Beach
and Miami until December 31, 2022, the net annual operating cost of the service was approximately
$600,000(excluding docking fees)for one(1)vessel operating seven (7)days per week with one(1)-
hour frequency of service from Sunday to Friday(from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm)and limited departures on
Saturday. The fare for Florida residents was$5 per person per trip, and the fare for visitors was $10
per person per trip. Poseidon's fare structure was competitive with current public transit fares at $3
per passenger each way for commuters.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The cost associated with subsidizing the net annual operations and maintenance costs of a cross-
bay water taxi service (based on Poseidon's operating costs) is approximately $600,000. Currently,
funding has not been identified; however, this cost has been presented as part of a tentative
proposed FY 2024 operating budget enhancement for consideration by the City Commission. Given
cross-bay water taxi service constitutes a regional transportation service extending beyond the
jurisdictional limits of Miami Beach, should the City Commission wish to explore an operating subsidy
for the service, the Admnistration recommends pursuing a collaboration and potential funding
partnership with the City of Miami and/or Miami-Dade County.
CONCLUSION
This item is being presented to the City Commission for acceptance of the recommendation of
FERC's motion directing the Administration to (1) negotiate a one (1) year agreement starting
Fiscal Year 2024 with Poseidon to provide a water taxi service pilot program between Miami
Beach and Downtown Miami; (2) identify funding; (3) identify locations where operation will be
conducted, and (4)define the City's contribution, and fare structure for the pilot program.
Furthermore, the City Administration recommends pursuing a competitive solicitation for the
service to better position the City to seek certain external funding opportunities, and to compare
and evaluate multiple vendors' approaches to the service, operating plans, and vessel
types/technologies.
Applicable Area
Page 790 of 1808
Citywide
Is this a"Residents Right Does this item utilize G.Q.
to Know" item. pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
Strategic Connection
Mobility- Increase multi-modal mobility citywide and connectivity regionally.
Legislative Tracking
Transportation and Mobility
Sponsor
Commissioner David Richardson
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Attachment A—Resolution No. 2013-28430
o Attachment B—Resolution No. 2014-28665
o Attachment C—LTC No. 422-2020
Page 791 of 1808
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-28430
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE NEIGHBORHOODS/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DIRECTING
THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL LOCATIONS AND
TIMES FOR WATER TAXI SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY AND TO MAINLAND
MIAMI.
WHEREAS, a water taxi is a watercraft used to provide public transport, usually but not
always, in an urban environment which can operate similar to a bus or taxi and can serve as a
charter or commuter service; and
WHEREAS, the City is about to begin developing its Transportation Master Plan (TMP)
which will study the City's transportation network, analyze existing conditions, and make
recommendations for projected future conditions, including maximizing the use of its Blueways
throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, the City's Marine Authority Board discussed this subject and passed a
Resolution in January 2012 recommending that the City develop water transportation services
within the City and to mainland Miami for commercial and private vessels; and
WHEREAS, the City's Marine Authority Board also recommended the development of a
pier or dock at the Lincoln Road street-end with the potential for additional sites at 5th Street,
10th Street, 14th Street, and the Purdy Boat Ramp; and
WHEREAS, the City Administration was recently approached by Island Queen Cruises
with a proposal for the establishment of permanent locations in the City of Miami Beach in order
to provide water taxi service between Bayfront Park and Miami Beach; and
WHEREAS, at the October 28, 2013 Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee
meeting, the Committee passed a motion requesting that the Administration explore water taxis
as an alternative mode of transportation and to further research the issue, including possible
'pick-up and drop-off locations and times; and to bring the item back to the Committee for further
discussion and refinement of the concept.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby accept the recommendation ,of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs
Committee directing the City Administration to explore potential locations for water taxi service
in the City and to further research possible pick-up and drop-off locations and times and to bring
the item back to the Committee for further discussion and refinement of the concept.
PASSED and ADOPTED this /1 day of , 20,
ATTEST: • -
, �
Phili ayor
R-fael E. Gra r•: • . - -41
s#, APPROVED AS TO
$ FORM AND LANGUAGE
1% •R EXECUTION
C-* .INCORr 0RATED'
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T:VIGENDA120131December711Resolubon a- •L1?: � nald9to'f$gam NCAC Regarding the Co-Naming of Streets
RESO.docx " : ����,,;�•
COMMISSION,ITEM SUMMARY
•
Condensed Title:
A Resolution Of The Mayor And City Commission Of The City Of Miami Beach, Florida, Accepting The
Recommendation Of The Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee Directing The Administration To
Explore Potential Locations For Water Taxi Service
Key Intended Outcome Supported:
Enhance Mobility throughout the City
Supporting Data(Surveys,Environmental Scan,etc.): In a recent survey,31%of residents and 43%of
businesses rate the traffic flow as excellent or good.
Item Summary/Recommendation:
A water taxi is a watercraft used to provide public transport, usually but not always in an urban
environment. Service may be scheduled with multiple stops,operating in a similar manner to a bus,or on-
demand to multiple locations, operating in a similar manner to a taxi. Water taxis can offer sightseeing,
charter and commuter services in order to service both residents and visitors.
The City is about to begin developing its Transportation Master Plan (TMP) which will study the City's.
transportation network, analyze existing conditions and make recommendations for projected future
conditions. Multi-modal alternatives will be a component of the TMP and the City is seeking ways to
maximize use navigable waterways. Additionally,the City's 2025 Comprehensive Plan already includes a
multi-modal transportation system as a stated goal.
The City's Marine Authority Board discussed this subject and passed a Resolution in January 2012
recommending the City develop water transportation services within the City and connecting to the City of
Miami for commercial and private vessels. The recommendation included development of a pier or dock
at the Lincoln Road street-end with potential for additional sites at 5th Street, 10th Street, 14th Street,and
the Purdy Boat Ramp.
Aside from the attraction to tourists,water taxi service also has the ability to provide an alternative mode of
transportation for residents who commute daily to and from Downtown Miami/Brickell area and to connect
various destinations in the City of Miami Beach and on the Mainland.
The City Administration was recently approached by Island Queen Cruises with a proposal for the
establishment of permanent locations in the City of Miami Beach in order to provide water taxi service
between Bayfront Park in the City of Miami and Miami Beach.
This item is being presented to City Commission for acceptance of the recommendation of the NCAC
directing the Administration to further explore water taxi service as an alternative form of transportation and
gather more details regarding the service,such as possible pick-up and drop-off locations,times,etc.,and
to brinsthe item back to the NCAC for further discussion and refinement of the concept.
Advisory Board Recommendation:
At the October 28, 2013 meeting of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee(NCAC), City staff
and industry representatives provided some background regarding the current and proposed service. The
service is currently implemented in the City of Fort Lauderdale. The NCAC endorsed the concept as
another alternative to reduce traffic congestion between the City of Miami Beach and the Mainland. The
Committee passed a motion,which is why it is being presented to the City Commission for acceptance,to
direct the Administration to further explore this concept and gather more details regarding the service,such
as potential pick-up and drop-off locations, times, etc. and bring the item back to the NCAC for further
discussion and refinement of the concept.
Financial Information:
Source of Amount Account
r_und.
1
Total
Financial Impact Summary:
City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking:
Sign-Offs:
• Department Director Assistant CI anager • City ger
ET.0 ,.` KGB JLM
T:IAGENDA\20131December 11 Resolution Accepting Recommendation from NCAC Rega ng the Co-Naming of Streets SUMMARY.doc 'l
/V\IAtAIBEACH Page 793 of 1808 AGENDA ITEM C 75
DATE 42 AV 3
m MIAMIBEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach,Florida 33139,www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members • the City Co /mission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager Alm��
DATE: December 11, 2013
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAY.1 R AND CITY COMMISISON OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, A0. EPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DIRECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL LOCATIONS FOR WATER TAXI
SERVICE
•
BACKGROUND
A water taxi is a watercraft used to provide public transport, usually but not always in art urban
environment. Service may be scheduled with multiple stops, operating in a similar manner to a
bus, or on-demand to multiple locations, operating in a similar manner to a taxi. Water taxis can
offer sightseeing, charter and commuter services in order to service both residents and visitors.
The City is about to begin developing its Transportation Master Plan (TMP) which will study the
City's transportation network, analyze existing conditions and make recommendations for
projected future conditions. Multi-modal alternatives will be a component of the TMP and the
City.is seeking ways to maximize use navigable waterways. Additionally, the City's 2025
Comprehensive Plan already includes a multi-modal transportation system as a stated goal.
The City's Marine Authority Board discussed this subject and passed a Resolution in January
2012 recommending the City develop water transportation services within the City and
connecting to the City of Miami for commercial and private vessels. The recommendation
included development of a pier or dock at the Lincoln Road street-end with potential for
additional sites at 5th Street, 10th Street, 14th Street, and the Purdy Boat Ramp.
Aside from the attraction to tourists, water taxi service also has the ability to provide an
alternative mode of transportation for residents who commute daily to and from Downtown
Miami/Brickell area and to connect various destinations in the City of Miami Beach and on the
Mainland.
The City Administration was recently approached by Island Queen Cruises with a proposal for
the establishment of permanent locations in the City of Miami Beach in order to provide water
taxi service between Bayfront Park in the City of Miami and Miami Beach.
•
Page 794 of 1808
Commission Memo-Resolution Accepting Recommendation from NCAC Regarding Water Taxi Service
December 11, 2013
Page 2 of 2
At the October 28, 2013 meeting of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC),
City staff and industry representatives provided some background regarding the current and
proposed service. The service is currently implemented in the City of Fort Lauderdale. The
NCAC endorsed the concept as another alternative to reduce traffic congestion between the
City of Miami Beach and the Mainland. The Committee passed a motion, which is why it is
being presented to the City Commission for acceptance, to direct the Administration to further
explore this concept and gather more details regarding the service, such as potential pick-up
and drop-off locations, times, etc. and bring the item back to the NCAC for further discussion
and refinement of the concept.
CONCLUSION
This item is being presented to City Commission for acceptance of the recommendation of the
NCAC directing the Administration to further explore water,taxi service as an alternative form of
transportation and gather more details regarding the service, such as possible pick-up and drop-
off locations, times, etc., and to bring the item back to the NCAC for further discussion and
finement of the concept.
GBLJRG/JFD
T:\AGENDA120131December 11\Resolution Accepting Recommendation from NCAC Regarding Water Taxi Service MEMO
Page 795 of 1808
RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 28665
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, REJECTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AT ITS APRIL 30,
2014 MEETING TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF CITY EMPLOYEES
REGARDING THE POTENTIAL USE OF ,WATER TAXI SERVICES FOR
COMMUTING PURPOSES AND DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
PREPARE A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO. ISSUE AN INVITATION TO
NEGOTIATE TO SEEK PROPOSALS FOR WATERBORNE
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AS AN ALTERNATIVE MODE OF PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY.
WHEREAS, a water taxi is a watercraft used to provide public transportation and that
can potentially provide an alternative mode of transportation for residents of Miami Beach; and
WHEREAS, at the December 11, 2013 City Commission meeting, the Commission
accepted the recommendation of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC) to
direct the Administration to further explore water taxi service as an alternative form of
'transportation and gather more details regarding the service, such as possible pick-up and drop-
off locations and times; and
WHEREAS, at the April 30, 2014 meeting of the NCAC, City staff provided feedback
regarding potential locations for water taxi terminals and recommended conducting public
meetings in order to educate the community and obtain citizen input regarding potential water
taxi dock locations; and
•
WHEREAS, at said meeting, the NCAC recommended that, prior to conducting any
. public meetings, staff conduct a survey of City employees to determine if water taxi service
would provide a suitable alternative to commute to work and to bring the results of such survey
back to the NCAC with additional recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission reject the NCAC's recommendation and,
instead, wish to direct the City Administration to prepare an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) which
will seek proposals from qualified firms interested in providing the City with waterborne public
transportation services, and also wish to direct the City Administration to prepare a request for
an ITN for the July 30, 2014 City Commission agenda for consideration by the City Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby
reject the recommendation of the NCAC at its April 30, 2014 meeting and hereby direct the City
Administration to prepare a request for approval to issue an Invitation to Negotiate to seek
proposals for waterbome transportation services as an alternative mode of public transportation
in the City.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 23ro day of July, 2014.
ATTEST: / ./
' JP , �g11���
_�1 �,'' PHILIP LEV.,','
•
RAFAEL E. GRANADO, * INCORF iORATED•`*;MAYOR ,,
CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO
''��' :=�`?.% ' • FORM&LANGUAGE
T:\AGENDA\2014\luly\Water Taxi-Accep '' 1j,";Rpf ttrgattaeb' NCAC Updated RESO.doc &FOR EXECUTION
�+jj,-,• 796 of 1808 C_;`~ . /i, ( c4
City Attorney Demote` 1
COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
Condensed Title:
A Resolution Of The Mayor And City Commission Of The City Of Miami Beach, Florida, Accepting The
Recommendation Of The Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee Directing The Administration To Conduct
A Survey Of City Employees Regarding The Potential Use Of Water Taxi Services For Commuting Purposes.
Key Intended Outcome Supported: Commission a Comprehensive Mobility Plan Which Gives Priority
Recommendations(From Nori-Vehicular To Vehicular And Including Parking).
Supporting Data(Surveys,Environmental Scan,etc.):According to the Florida Department of Transportation
(FOOT),the Level Of Service(LOS)on the McArthur Causeway and Julia Tuttle Causeway during peak hours is
LOS F(Failing)and D, respectively.The existing public transportation system connecting Miami Beach to the
mainland is limited to using these congested highways.As recently indicated in the 2014 City of Miami Beach
Community Satisfaction Final Report,28%of the City of Miami Beach residents would be willing to use alternative
forms of transportation to access the mainland.
Item Summary/Recommendation:
At the December 11, 2013 City Commission meeting, the Commission accepted a recommendation by the
Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee(NCAC)directing the Administration to further explore water taxi
service as an alternative form of transportation and gather more details regarding the service,such as possible
pick-up and drop-off locations, times, etc., and to bring the item back to the NCAC for further discussion and
refinement of the concept.
At the April 30,2014 meeting of the NCAC,City staff provided feedback regarding potential locations for water taxi
terminals and recommended conducting public meetings in order to educate the community and obtain their input
regarding potential water taxi dock locations. The NCAC recommended that prior to conducting any public
meetings, staff conduct a survey of City employees to determine if water taxi service would provide a suitable
alternative to commute to work.
This item is being presented to City Commission for acceptance of the recommendation of the NCAC directing the
Administration to conduct a survey and gather data to assess the need for water taxi service as an alternative
mode of public transportation in the City,and to bring the item back to the NCAC to report the results of the survey
and provide additional recommendations.
Additionally,the Administration will reach out to the Home Owners Associations(HOAs)surrounding the locations
that could potentially be used as terminals/stops for water taxi services, in an effort to obtain some feedback on
the integration of the proposed dock locations in the residential areas.
THE ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION.
Advisory Board Recommendation:
N/A
Financial Information:
Source of Amount _ Account
Funds: 1
2
Financial Impact Summary:N/A
City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking:
Jose R.Gonzalez,ext.6768
Sign-Offs:
Department Director Assistant C Manager C' nager
JRG)9_6 KGB JL
T:AGENDA12014UulylWater Taxi—Acceptance of Recommend ons by NCAC SUM.doc
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/V\IA/v\I B EAC H Page 797 of 1808 AGENDA ITEM G 7 V
INFDATE 1-013 Ay
m MIAMIBEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach,Florida 33139,www.miomibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members •. the City ' 'mmission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager i �...—
DATE: July 23, 2014 'I
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAY• • AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DIRECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF CITY EMPLOYEES REGARDING
THE POTENTIAL USE OF WATER TAXI SERVICES FOR COMMUTING
PURPOSES
BACKGROUND
A water taxi is a watercraft used to provide public transportation, usually, but not always in an
urban environment. Service may be scheduled with multiple stops, operating in a similar manner
to a bus, or on-demand to multiple locations, operating in a similar manner to a taxi. Aside from
being a memorable experience to tourists, water taxi service also has the ability to provide an
alternative mode of transportation for residents who commute daily to and from Downtown
Miami/Brickell area, and to connect various destinations in the City of Miami Beach and on the
Mainland.
The potential for waterbome transportation is expected to be further studied in the City's
Transportation Master Plan, which will review the City's transportation network, analyze existing
conditions and make recommendations for projected future conditions. Additionally, the City's
2025 Comprehensive Plan already includes a multi-modal transportation system as a stated
goal.
The City's Marine Authority Board discussed water taxi service and passed a Resolution in
January 2012 recommending that the City implement water transportation services within the
City and connecting to the City of Miami. The recommendation included development of.a pier
or dock at the Lincoln Road street-end with potential for additional sites at 5th Street, 10th
Street, 14th Street, and the Purdy Boat Ramp.
At the December 11, 2013 City Commission meeting, the Commission accepted the
recommendation of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC) directing the
Administration to further explore water taxi service as an alternative form of transportation and
gather more details regarding the service, such as possible pick-up and drop-off locations,
times, etc., and to bring the item back to the NCAC for further discussion and refinement of the
concept.
Page 798 of 1808
Commission Memo-Water Taxi-Acceptance of Recommendations by NCAC
July 23, 2014
Page 2 of 2
At the April 30, 2014 meeting of the NCAC, City staff provided feedback regarding the locations
proffered by the Marine Authority Board and recommended conducting public meetings in order
to educate the community and obtain their input regarding potential water taxi dock locations.
The NCAC recommended that prior to conducting any public meetings, staff conduct a survey of
City employees to determine if water taxi service would provide a suitable alternative to
commute to work. The Committee passed a motion directing the Administration to conduct a
survey and gather data in order to properly evaluate the need for water taxi service as an
alternative mode of public transportation in the City.
Additionally, the Administration will reach out to the Home Owners Associations (HOAs)
surrounding the locations that could potentially be used as terminals/stops for water taxi
services, in an effort to obtain some feedback on the integration of the proposed dock locations
in the residential areas.
CONCLUSION
This item is being presented to City Commission for acceptance of the recommendation of the
NCAC directing the Administration to conduct a survey and gather data to assess the need for
water taxi service as an alternative mode of public transportation in the City, and to bring the
item back to the NCAC to report the results of the survey and provide additional
recommendations.
KGB/JRGIJFG
T:AGENDA120141Juty1 Water Taxi—Acceptance of Recommendations by NCAC MEMO
•
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• ;� �.` `. I 1� I. -.!
ti,_ aw_ I
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 422-2020 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager °ocuSfpnedby:
5411401
liev'att,sDATE: November 25, 2020 9CA1919407w95
SUBJECT: Commuter Waterborne Transportation Service by Poseidon Ferry LLC
The purpose of this LTC is to inform the City Commission of Poseidon Ferry LLC'•s launch of
commuter water ferry service between Miami Beach and downtown Miami anticipated for
November 29,2020, using a double deck vessel with an air-conditioned lower deck. The service
is privately owned and operated with no public subsidy from Miami-Dade County, City of
Miami,or City of Miami Beach.
The service is intended to cater to commuters during morning and afternoon peak periods both
on weekdays and weekends and the proposed commuter fare structure is competitive with current
public transit fares($3/passenger each way). The service is scheduled to operate 7 days a week
from approximately 6am-10pm Monday through Thursday, and 6am-8pm Friday through Sunday
with as many as 16 scheduled hourly departures from Miami Beach each day. The established
pick-up and drop-off locations are the Bentley Bay Condominium marina in South Beach and the
Hyatt Regency/James L. Knight Center marina in downtown Miami in proximity to the Knight
Center Metromover station. Poseidon is planning to add a second vessel in early 2021 which
would double the number of departures and provide a service frequency of approximately 30
minutes.
In Miami Beach, Poseidon explored various docking locations within and in proximity to the Miami
Beach Marina. Unfortunately, after almost a year of coordinating with the Miami Beach Marina
management, Poseidon was unable to secure docking rights at the marina. As an alternative,
Poseidon secured the Bentley Bay marina for vessel operation and retail space within the building
for a ticket office and passenger waiting area with restrooms.
Poseidon presented its proposed water ferry service operating plan to the City's Marine and
Waterfront Protection Authority(MWPA)on September 8,2020 and responded to questions from
board members and the public. The water ferry item was continued by the MWPA to December
2020 to provide Poseidon time to secure the required permits and approvals. The proposed
service has received mixed feedback from some residents of the Bentley Bay Condominium;and
Poseidon is working closely with the Bentley Bay Condominium Association to address any
outstanding concerns with the upcoming service.In the meanwhile,Poseidon has secured Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)approval to use the existing dock at the Bentley
Bay manna on a temporary basis while the lease with the Bentley Bay marina is amended to allow
Page 800 of 1808
a
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LTC-Commuter waterborne transportation service by Poseidon
November 25,2020
for permanent use of the dock. Poseidon will present its operating plan to MWPA in December.
In addition to the commuter ferry service, Poseidon is pursuing sightseeing and music cruises to
subsidize the commuter service. Based on information received from the County and Poseidon,
these recreational services will operate only on the City of Miami side and will not be arriving at
or departing from the Bentley Bay marina.
It is important to note that the City has no role in this private venture other than the
ministerial function of issuing a BTR once Poseidon has secured all required approvals.,
As a condition of the issuance of its BTR, Poseidon agrees to follow all applicable federal, state,
and local laws, in addition to strictly adhering to those conditions set forth in its BTR and included
in Acknowledgment Letter. The intent of the Acknowledgment Letter is to ensure that
Poseidon's ferry service operation provides for a high level of safety and security of ferry
passengers and does not adversely affect the quality of life of residents in the
area (Attachment A).
From the standpoint of transit connectivity and parking, the Bentley Bay marina is strategically
located as it is in close proximity to the South Beach Trolley service, County regional bus service,
and the Alton Road/5th Street parking garage which can serve as a park-and-ride facility for the
proposed ferry service.
The proposed service aligns with City Commission Resolution No. 2019-30757 (Attachment B)
which recommends that the Administration pursue strategies to help mitigate traffic impacts and
ensure mobility for residents, visitors, and workforce employees during the construction of the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 1-395 Signature Bridge project and other active and
planned FDOT roadway projects in and around the City.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Attachment A: Acknowledgment Letter
At Isle SR h tion No. 2019-30757
Q- - sac mitt.
JLM/ATH/JRG/MM
httpOrniamibeach.my.sharepoint.corn/personal/milosmajstaovic mumibeuMllov/Documents/Witerborne/Poseidon Ferry/LTC • Waterborne Transportation Service by Poseidon
November 2020.daa .
Page 801 of 1808
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Attachment A
• i
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach,Florida 33139,www.miamibeochfl.gov
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
Tel:305-673-7470, Fax:305-673-7002
November 25, 2020
Poseidon Ferry, LLC
400 SE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
Dear Sir or Madam:
This correspondence shall serve as an acknowledgment of those conditions included in the
Business Tax Receipt ("BTR") issued by the City of Miami Beach, Florida ("City") to Poseidon
Ferry, LLC ("Poseidon"), a Foreign Limited Liability Company, authorized to do business in the
State of Florida, and the City of Miami Beach, Florida.
Poseidon operates a privately owned water ferry commuter service between Miami Beach
(Bentley Bay Marina) and downtown Miami. As a condition of the issuance of its BTR, Poseidon
agrees to follow all applicable federal,state,and local laws(in addition to strictly adhering to those
conditions set forth in its BTR) in order to operate within the City's jurisdictional limits.
Consequently, the failure of Poseidon to comply with any of the conditions set forth below(and
as set forth in its BTR) will result in the City issuing a notice of violation to Poseidon, which shall
be subject to those enhanced penalties for any violation(s) of same, and may result in a
suspension and/or revocation of Poseidon's BTR.
1) Permits:
a) Poseidon shall secure all necessary approvals and permits for operation of such water
ferry service from all applicable agencies involved and shall maintain all permits in active
status and good standing.
2) Safety and security:
a) Poseidon shall provide security personnel on the ferry at all times during operational
hours;
b) Poseidon shall provide shore side personnel at all times during operational hours to assist
with securing the vessel, along with assisting and guiding passengers;
c) Poseidon shall ensure passenger queuing lines are closely monitored and shall not
obstruct pedestrian pathways along the public right-of-way.
3) Noise:
a) Poseidon shall comply with applicable State and local noise ordinances at all times.
4) Signage:
a) Poseidon shall install adequate directional signage for passengers upon Bentley Bay
Marina's property and/or the City's right-of-way. Prior to the installation of any signage on
the City's right-of-way, Poseidon must seek and obtain written approval from the City.
Page 1 of 2
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5) Operation:
a) Poseidon shall communicate any changes in operating plan to the City's Transportation
and Mobility Department;
b) Poseidon shall report passenger statistics(number of persons boarding in Miami Beach
• and the City of Miami respectively) to the City's Transportation and Mobility Department
on a monthly basis.
It is expressly agreed that nothing contained herein shall operate as a waiver or limitation of any
rights or remedies afforded to the City,whether conferred by this acknowledgment or pursuant to
law.
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA POSEIDON FERRY, LLC
DoeuSigned by:
By .3twtwu1 Itthrata s By:
1: PM EST
Jimmy L. Morales Print Name:
City Manager Title:
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH POSEIDON FERRY, LLC
1700 Convention Center Drive, 4th Floor 400 SE 2nd Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Miami, FL 33131
DS ADS AAA
_sR6 l�lA
ATH/JRG/MM
Page 2 of 2
Page 803 of 1808
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Attachment B
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-30757
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING
THE POTENTIAL TRAFFIC MITIGATION STRATEGIES
RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATION,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WORK
' WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DEPLOY THE
POTENTIAL TRAFFIC MITIGATION STRATEGIES TO HELP
REDUCE THE TRAFFIC IMPACTS OF THE "CONNECTING
MIAMI" CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE RESIDENTS,
VISITORS, AND WORKFORCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH; AND, REFERRING THE ITEM TO THE FINANCE
AND CITYWIDE PROJECTS COMMITTEE TO MONITOR
PROGRESS ON THE ISSUE AND DISCUSS RESULTS AND
IMPACTS.
WHEREAS, the I-395/SR 836/1-95 Project ("Connecting Miami") is a partnership
between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Miami-Dade
Expressway Authority(MDX),with construction limits on State Road(SR)836 beginning
at NW 17 Avenue and continuing through the SR 836/1-395/1-95(Midtown) Interchange
to the MacArthur Causeway Bridge; and
WHEREAS, the Connecting Miami Project commenced in Summer 2018 and is
anticipated to be completed by Fall 2023; and
WHEREAS, traffic impacts during the multi-year construction project due to
multiple and continuous lane and ramp closures and detours along 1-95, SR 836, and
1-395 are expected tp'adversely affect mobility for Miami Beach residents, visitors, and
workforce employees; and
WHEREAS, the City Administration recommends that various traffic mitigation
strategies be explored and deployed, in collaboration with FDOT and Miami-Dade
County, to reduce the impact of the construction of this major project on the Miami
Beach community; and
WHEREAS, the traffic mitigation strategies to be explored should include, but
not be limited to, the following: -
1. Accelerate the implementation of the Beach Express North Bus Express
Rapid Transit (BERT) Demonstration Service and Route 150 (Airport
Express) modifications
2. Enhance service of the County Route "A"
3. Explore waiving tolls on the Venetian Causeway
4. Explore waterbome transportation service connecting Downtown Miami and
Miami Beach; and
Page 804 of 1808
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WHEREAS, the City Commission deems it advisable to refer this item to the
Finance and Citywide Projects Committee to monitor the Connecting Miami Project and
discuss results and impacts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE
CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the Mayor and
City Commission hereby approve the potential traffic mitigation strategies
recommended by the Administration, recommend that the Administration work with
Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation to deploy the
potential traffic mitigation strategies to help reduce the impact on mobility from the
construction of the Connecting Miami Project on the residents, visitors, and workforce
of the City of Miami Beach, and refer the item to the Finance and Citywide Projects
Committee to monitor progress on the issue and discuss results and impacts.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 131h day of March, 2019.
ATTEST:
Dan Gelber, Mayor
3
Ra el .Grana/ 6'
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APPROVED AS TO
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Page 805 of 1808
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Resolutions-R7 G
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: March 13,2019
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE POTENTIAL TRAFFIC
MITIGATION STRATEGIES RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION, RECOMMENDING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION
WORK WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTYAND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO DEPLOY THE POTENTIAL TRAFFIC MITIGATION
STRATEGIES TO HELP REDUCE THE TRAFFIC IMPACTS OF THE
"CONNECTING MIAMI" CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE RESIDENTS,
VISITORS, AND WORKFORCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH; AND,
REFERRING THE ITEM TO THE FINANCE AND CITYWIDE PROJECTS
COMMITTEE TO MONITOR PROGRESS ON THE ISSUE AND DISCUSS
RESULTS AND IMPACTS.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Resolution.
BACKGROUND
The I-395/SR 83611-95 Project ("Connecting Miami") is a partnership between the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), with
construction limits on State Road (SR)836 beginning at NW 17 Avenue and continuing through
the SR 836/1-395/I-95(Midtown) Interchange to the MacArthur Causeway Bridge. The limits on
1-95 are from NW 8 Street to NW 29 Street.
Enhancements along 1-395 are from the SR 836/1-95/1-395 (Midtown) Interchange to the
MacArthur Causeway, approximately 1.4 miles long. The project will completely reconstruct the
existing facility and create a signature bridge that will span 1,025 feet over NE 2 Avenue and
SR5/Biscayne Boulevard, redefining the Miami skyline with its six sweeping arches.
The project will create additional capacity on 1-395 with a total of three (3)through lanes in each
direction and provide separate connector ramps for traffic to and from 1-95. The existing 1-395
eastbound off-ramps at NE 2 Avenue will be moved west to North Miami Avenue, and the
westbound on-ramps at NE 1 Avenue will be shifted to the west of North Miami Avenue. NW 2
Avenue will also be reconnected under I-395,providing residents greater access.
Page 1263 of 1418
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Mobility will be enhanced for residents, commuters and tourists by increasing capacity on SR
836, 1-95 and 1-395.SR 836 will be double-decked to allow for a direct connection between SR
836 and 1-395.
The Connecting Miami Project commenced in Summer 2018 and is anticipated to be
completed by Fall 2023. Traffic impacts during the multi-year construction project due to
multiple and continuous lane/ramp closures and detours along 1-95, SR 836, and 1-395 are
expected to adversely affect mobility for Miami Beach residents, visitors, and workforce
employees.
As an example, over the three (3) year period that the FDOT Alton Road Reconstruction
Project from 5 Street to Michigan Avenue was under construction (from April 2013 to March
2016), average daily traffic volumes on the MacArthur Causeway decreased by approximately
9%as compared to pre-construction volumes. In contrast, average daily traffic volumes on the
Julia Tuttle Causeway increased by approximately 7%(essentially, over 10,000 additional vehicles
per day on the already congested Julia Tuttle Causeway.
This magnitude of traffic diversion from one major arterial to another as a result of a major
roadway reconstruction project is not uncommon as these types of projects are known to
effectuate changes in traffic patterns not only temporarily during construction. but sometimes
permanently even after construction is over.
ANALYSIS
The City of Miami Beach is concerned with the potential effects of the multi-year construction of
the Connecting Miami Project and recommends that various traffic mitigation strategies be
explored and deployed to ensure mobility for residents, visitors, and workforce employees
during the construction of this major project.
The traffic mitigation strategies to be explored should include, but not be limited to, the
following:
1. Accelerate the implementation of the Beach Express North Bus Express Rapid Transit
(BERT)Demonstration Service or Route 150(Airport Express)Modifications.
The Miami-Dade County Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan contains six (6)
Rapid Transit Corridors and nine (9) Bus Express Rapid Transit (BERT) routes for Miami-
Dade County. BERT service consists of enhanced branded buses operating limited stop
service on shoulders or dedicated transit lanes, where feasible, to reduce travel time and help
ensure service schedule reliability. Advancing the BERT routes to Miami Beach could help
mitigate the impacts of the Connecting Miami projects.
There are three (3) BERT routes that are proposed to connect the mainland to Miami Beach.
The Beach Express North BERT route will run from Golden Glades Multimodal Center to the
Miami Beach City Center area via the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The Beach Express Central
BERT route will run from the Miami Civic Center/Health District complex to the Miami Beach
City Center area via the Julia Tittle Causeway. The Beach Express South BERT route will run
from Downtown Miami to the Miami Beach City Center area via the MacArthur Causeway.
Page 1264 of 1418
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•
Via a Resolution of the City Commission, the City of Miami Beach allocated funding in the
amount of $5.1 million for a 3-year Beach Express North BERT demonstration service using
the shoulders of the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The City's contribution is equally matched by
FDOT funds for the demonstration service.
As of December 5, 2018, FDOT has programmed funds for the design and construction of the
inside shoulders modifications needed to operate the BERT service on the Julia Tuttle
Causeway by 2022. A goal of all parties is to work toward implementation prior to the estimated
2022'completion date.
Additionally, the Administration is worldng with the County to potentially modify existing bus
routes (such as the Airport Express (Route 150)) to provide a connection to the Earlington
Heights Metrorall station(providing access to commuters from northwest Miami-Dade and west
Broward)and stop at Mt. Sinai and Fontainebleau, as an Interim service enhancement. The goal
is to implement the interim service as part of the County's new service line-up in November
2019. Advancing a modified Route 150 could also help mitigate the traffic impacts of the
Connecting Miami Project.
2. Enhance service of the County Route"A"
The original Route A operated along the Venetian Causeway connecting Omni Station in
Miami and Washington Avenue/Lincoln Road area in Miami Beach. As a result of weight
restrictions imposed by the County on the Venetian Causeway bridges in 2014, the route and
service plan was modified and currently consists of limited service between Omni Station and
Sunset Harbour using smaller vehicles (cutaways), operating on a limited schedule of 7.5 hours
per day(7:00AM to 9:32AM and 2:00PM to 6:52PM). On a long term basis, the County's plan
is to reestablish the original Route A service plan when all the Venetian Causeway bridges are
reconstructed and allow for operation of regular bus service. In the meanwhile, the County does
not have any plans for enhancing the current service. Route A service enhancement was most
recently discussed by the City Commission in February 2018 and a Resolution was adopted by
the City Commission urging Miami-Dade County to reinstate, at no cost to the City of Miami
Beach, the original Route A service plan; however, no service improvements have been made
by the County.
Enhancing the Route A service could be a potential traffic mitigation strategy. Based on an
previous analysis conducted by staff in coordination with the County, the incremental cost of
restoring the original Route A service plan would be approximately $230,000/year for
approximately 11 hours of service per day from Monday to Sunday.
3. Explore waiving tolls on the Venetian Causeway
During previous construction projects on the Citys causeways,at the request of the City, Miami-
Dade County has waived toll collection along the Venetian Causeway. This initiative has been
put into effect to improve capacity and mobility between Miami Beach and the mainland.
Waiving tolls on the Venetian Causeway can assist in reducing traffic demand on the MacArthur
Causeway which will be affected by the Connecting Miami Project Further, this initiative could
help balance traffic volumes along the other causeways into the City and reduce the overall
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impact of the project. This measure would require prior approval by the Miami-Dade Board of
County Commissioners, thus, coordination with Miami-Dade County would be required if this
option is explored.
4. Explore waterborne transportation service connecting Downtown Miami and Miami Beach
The City's most recent solicitation for waterborne transportation services was issued in 2014
and resulted in only one (1) operator (Water Taxi Miami, Inc.) submitting a bid and ultimately
operating a one (1) year water taxi pilot program from December 30, 2016 to December 30,
2017, connecting the Purdy Avenue Dock, Sea Isle Marina, Bayside Marketplace, and Miami
Beach Marina. The original solicitation stipulated that the water taxi services shall be provided at
no cost to the City and for the operator to provide necessary infrastructure for the safe
operation, including docking facility,of the service. The water taxi pilot program with Water Taxi
Miami was terminated on December 30, 2017 and for various reasons, the pilot was not
deemed to be a practical,competitive,reliable, convenient,or financially viable operation.
A temporary water taxi service operating between Miami and Miami Beach could potentially help
mitigate the traffic impacts of the Connecting Miami Project. The same docks used during the
City's previous water taxi pilot program could be used for the temporary service. Establishing a
reliable water taxi service, albeit as a temporary traffic mitigation strategy,would likely require an
operating subsidy. Moreover, given a water taxi service would need to connect the cities of
Miami Beach and Miami, it is recommended that this option be explored in collaboration
with Miami-Dade County and current water taxi operators.
Active Work Zone Traffic Monitoring and Management
As part of the Connecting Miami Project, F DOT will deploy Active Work Zone Traffic Monitoring
and Management services along the affected project corridors. This initiative consists of
deploying cameras to monitor traffic conditions, wi-fi/Bluetooth devices to gauge travel time,
Variable Message Signs to disseminate real-time information on closures and incidents to the
motoring public, and Road Rangers to help clear incidents blocking travel lanes. This effort will
be managed by FOOT SunGuide Traffic Management Center and the same contractor that has
been providing Traffic Monitoring and Management Services for the City of Miami Beach for
over 4 years.
This initiative was utilized during the Alton Road Reconstruction Project between 5 Street and N.
Michigan Avenue and proved to be successful in reducing some of the congestion created by
the lane closures and detours. The implementation of Active Work Zone Traffic Monitoring and
Management for the FDOT Connecting Miami Project would extend the capabilities of the City's
current Traffic Monitoring and Management effort and planned Intelligent Transportation System
and Smart Parking System Project by enhancing the sharing of real-time traffic information,
traffic data, incident information, and other relevant items to assist in managing congestion and
help reduce spill-back onto City roads.
CONCLUSION
The construction of the $800 million Connecting Miami Project currently being undertaken in a
partnership between FDOT and MDX is expected to have a significant impact on mobility for
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Miami Beach residents,visitors, and workforce employees due to multi-year lane closures, ramp
closures,and detours on 1-95, 1-395,and SR 836.
The City is concerned with the anticipated impacts to mobility during project construction and
believes that the implementation of traffic mitigation strategies in collaboration with FDOT and
the County is essential to reduce the impact of the project on the Miami Beach community.
KEY INTENDED OUTCOMES SUPPORTED
Ensure Comprehensive Mobility Addressing All Modes Throughout The City
Legislative Tracking
Transportation
Sponsor
Commissioner Mark Samuelian
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
In Resolution
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