Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner is once again raising the possibility of underground transit tunnels as a way to tackle the city’s persistent traffic problems.
A New Approach to an Old Problem
After city leaders rejected extending the Metromover system from downtown Miami to South Beach, officials have begun exploring alternative solutions. Commissioners recently voted to pursue a water taxi service, and now Meiner wants to revisit the potential of tunnels.
At Wednesday’s City Commission meeting, Meiner has placed the topic on the agenda, proposing that the city discuss whether such a project would be feasible. His plan does not focus on a specific design but rather on exploring broad considerations such as engineering challenges, environmental impacts, funding sources, and integration with Miami-Dade’s existing transit systems.
Engineering and Environmental Hurdles
The proposal faces steep obstacles. Miami Beach is prone to chronic flooding, sits only a few feet above sea level, and rests on porous limestone — all factors that make tunneling difficult and costly.
Past Interest from Elon Musk’s Boring Company
This isn’t the first time the idea of tunnels has surfaced in South Florida. In 2022, then-Commissioner Meiner suggested contacting Elon Musk’s Boring Company, known for its Vegas Loop project in Las Vegas. The company also pitched similar underground Tesla tunnel systems in Fort Lauderdale and North Miami Beach. Fort Lauderdale’s project has since been suspended, while North Miami Beach’s plans were reportedly still under consideration as of 2023.
Musk and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also discussed a tunnel system for the city of Miami in 2021, though it is unclear if that idea ever advanced.
What’s Next
Meiner’s latest push does not involve a direct partnership with Musk’s company but seeks to determine whether Miami Beach should pursue expert guidance, review case studies from other cities, or commission formal studies before committing to any tunnel project.
With gridlock a daily reality and infrastructure solutions limited by geography, the idea of digging underground continues to intrigue city leaders — even if the path forward remains uncertain.
