WSVN — In 2002, Miami-Dade voters approved a tax hike that was supposed to pay for new metrorail lines into Southern Dade County. 13 years later, with very little change, South Florida commuters say that tax hike has taken a toll on their wallets. 7's Robbin Simmons has the details in tonight's special report.
When you spend hours every day sitting in this, you want to believe it when someone tells you this.
Alex Penelas: "Every major world class community has a world class transportation system."
So in 2002, when the politicians promised they would expand Metrorail into South Miami-Dade, the taxpayers bought it hook, line and sinker.
They voted in favor of a proposition to raise the sales tax by half a cent.
Commuter: "Any bit of help is appreciated. I'm glad the proposition passed. Hopefully we will be able to extend Metrorail to where it needs to go."
But 13 years later, the cold hard reality is expansion of the Metrorail system has moved slower than the Palmetto during afternoon rush.
Michael Hernandez: "Half penny did promise a Metrorail line directly to Miami International Airport. It took a long time, but it's been done and that was about $500 million."
$500 million for a 2.4 mile track extension that took three years to complete, that's when county officials realized that would be all they'd be able to do.
Michael Hernandez: "No concrete plans to expand Metrorail. Are there blueprints for it at this time? No."
Mayor Otis Wallace: "We're the end of the line."
Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace was there when the tax was approved in 2002. He had high hopes the county's southernmost city would make it on the Metrorail map.
Mayor Otis Wallace: "We reasonably expected that South Dade would get the same sort of rail treatment as the rest of the county."
But he's watched over the last 13 years as over $2 billion has been raised and still no Metrorail line to his city.
Mayor Otis Wallace: "We keep hearing there is not enough money. Well, that's because you spent it elsewhere."
The money has been used on other transportation and maintenance costs.
Michael Hernandez: "Open up bus routes, extend Metrorail to MIA, Metro Mover here in Downtown and that is providing a community benefit. Did it do enough? No."
Buses are the county's next option.
Michael Hernandez: "Whether it's expanding bus routes or introducing enhanced bus service, bus rapid transit, dedicated bus lanes."
Wallace says buses aren't practical.
Mayor Otis Wallace: "I heard one story where a gentleman had to be at work at 11 at night in Downtown Miami, and he had to leave Florida City at 8:30 p.m. for a 2 and a half hour trek to get to work."
His mission is getting relief for his citizens.
Mayor Otis Wallace: "They seem to have a great tolerance for our pain in South Dade. I plan to hold them to the promises that were made. When I make a promise to my community, they expect me to keep it."
Mayor Gimenez's office says they can't fix the broken promises and they are not going to pretend they can.
Michael Hernandez: "It's better to be honest than say, 'Yeah sure. We'll do it next year.'"
But for South Florida drivers, it's taking a toll to have to keep facing this kind of traffic for years to come.
Earlier this summer, Mayor Gimenez oredered an investigation of PTP and discovered $2 billion may be available over the next 30 years for future projects. They say they are moving forward with plans to study the best possible transportation options.
Mayor's office statement on PTP analysis:
"Earlier this summer, Mayor Gimenez directed his administration to conduct a thorough analysis of dollars that could be available from the voter-approved People's Transportation Plan to enhance Miami-Dade County's public transportation system and mobility options. That analysis has concluded that approximately $2 billion may be available over the next 30 years for future projects.
"The Gimenez Administration is immediately moving forward with plans to study the best possible options for Miami-Dade County residents," said Michael Hernandez, Miami-Dade County Communications Director.