The Birth of the Metromover: Transforming Downtown Miami
Miami’s free, automated transit system reshaped downtown mobility, offering a seamless and scenic way to navigate the city.
Feb 25, 2025 · 2 Minute Read 
Since 1986, the Metromover has been the foundation of downtown Miami’s transit system. As one of the first automated people movers in the U.S., it was built to reduce congestion and integrate with the Metrorail and Metrobus. Nearly four decades later, this free system remains a vital link between key districts like Brickell, Government Center, and Museum Park.
Over the years, the Metromover has grown to improve connectivity, with the addition of the Omni and Brickell loops in 1994. Its fully electric, driverless design offers a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to exploring downtown by car.
Beyond its function as public transit, the Metromover offers a unique vantage point of Miami’s ever-changing skyline. Many stations showcase installations from Miami-Dade’s Art in Public Place, while riders can catch glimpses of the city’s most striking murals. Spanish artist René Mäkelä’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ is a standout sight along the route, prominently displayed on the west-facing wall of Mana Common HQ and best viewed between the James Knight Center and Miami Avenue stations.
The Metromover has strengthened downtown Miami’s economy by boosting walkability, spurring real estate development, and setting a precedent for automated urban transit worldwide.
Discover more about downtown Miami’s history and latest updates at manacommon.com.
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