![Flying taxi over Miami traffic, [Stephen Ross] looking up.](https://floridarealestatewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ecfcab65thumbnail.jpeg "Stephen Ross Champions Flying Taxis to Combat Miami’s Growing Traffic Woes")
Billionaire developer Stephen Ross is spearheading a significant real estate initiative to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, or flying taxis, to South Florida. This ambitious project aims to alleviate the region’s escalating traffic congestion by introducing a new mode of aerial transportation, with initial test flights anticipated as early as next year.
Key Takeaways
- Stephen Ross, through his company Related Companies, is partnering with Archer Aviation to develop infrastructure for flying taxis.
- The initiative seeks to address South Florida’s severe traffic congestion, exacerbated by rapid population growth.
- Archer Aviation plans to begin test flights in 2026, with potential public operations by 2028.
- The project involves establishing multiple "vertiports" across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
- Initial ride costs are estimated at $200 per person, with expectations of decreasing as operations scale.
Addressing South Florida’s Congestion Crisis
South Florida is experiencing rapid population growth, with Miami’s population increasing by over 10% between 2020 and 2024. This surge has led to severe traffic congestion, with the average commuter spending 93 hours stuck in traffic annually. Despite existing transit options like the Brightline train, they have not sufficiently eased the burden. The introduction of air taxis is viewed as a potential solution to remove vehicular demand from roadways.
Infrastructure Development and Partnerships
Related Companies is actively involved in creating the necessary infrastructure for eVTOL operations. Stephen Ross is offering locations such as the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and his private Apogee Golf Club in Hobe Sound as potential vertiport sites. Furthermore, Related Companies plans to develop a dedicated vertiport within its West Palm Beach developments. Archer Aviation is also collaborating with other developers and has secured partnerships with several regional airports to establish a network of 12 vertiports connecting key cities like Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale.
The Future of Urban Mobility
Archer Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft, named Midnight, will be capable of carrying four passengers at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. A flight from Miami to West Palm Beach is projected to take approximately 30 minutes. The company aims to begin public operations by 2028, pending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a program to fast-track eVTOL testing and certification, potentially allowing pilot program cities to commence precertification flights as early as next year. While the technology is promising, industry experts acknowledge that regulatory hurdles and public acceptance remain key factors for widespread adoption.
Economic and Technological Implications
Ross’s investments in advanced air mobility align with his broader efforts to attract high-paying jobs and technology companies to South Florida. The development of a robust eVTOL network is seen as crucial for maintaining the region’s appeal to prospective tenants and companies, ensuring long-term mobility solutions and future-proofing the area against continued growth and congestion.