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The Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust recently reached 100 ambassadors on its CITT Ambassador Program, which unlike any other, proactively and systematically captures transit riders’ feedback in exchange for mobility rewards.
“It’s only been six months since we officially launched the CITT Ambassador Program and we have already reached 100 CITT Ambassadors — a lot sooner than what we had anticipated,” said CITT executive director Javier A. Betancourt, AICP. “This clearly shows us that our residents want to be active participants in providing feedback that can improve transit in areas where it may be lacking.”
As part of the program, CITT Ambassadors, who are frequent transit riders, fill out surveys that can be accessed via a mobile app. The information captured is then compiled and shared with Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works, and soon will be expanded to be shared with local municipalities and on-demand service companies — all in an effort to enhance the transit experience.
The program also helps the CITT ensure that assets funded by the county’s half-cent surtax remain in good condition.
“The CITT Ambassador Program amplifies our efforts of monitoring the state of our transit assets,” said CITT chair Oscar J. Braynon. “As the independent body that oversees how half-penny surtax funds are invested in transit projects, it is also important for us to know how well transit services are running in our community.”
“I’m proud and happy to be an advocate for continued improvement (of the county’s mass transit system). I’m truly excited about the Better Bus Network,” said Cathy Bernstein, the first CITT Ambassador of the Month.
At the July 2023 CITT Full Trust meeting, Bernstein spoke and shared her observations with the Trust members, where she also requested to see changes and improvements to municipal trolley apps, Metrobus Route 120, Metromover service, and more.
Bernstein was selected as CITT Ambassador of the Month based on the number of points she earned from completed surveys and sharing posts via social media.
How the CITT Ambassador program works and how to apply
The CITT Ambassadors are volunteers who are frequent transit riders and regularly share their observations of transit services via the Velocia application. The application is free to download and easy to use.
Once transit riders apply and are approved as CITT Ambassadors, they can earn mobility rewards by:
• Completing surveys;
• Participating in focus groups, and
• Sharing transportation information via their social media channels.
Within the Velocia app, rewards are earned in the form of Velos, or points, which can be used for:
• Miami-Dade Transit passes;
• Discounts on Uber and Lyft rides, and
• Citi Bike rentals, Getaround car-sharing credits, and more.
For more information about the CITT Ambassador Program and to apply, transit riders can visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/transportation-trust/ambassador-program.page
They also can contact the CITT Customer Advocate Program Coordinator, Cheryl Mizell, by sending an email to Cheryl.Mizell@miamidade.gov.
For information about the CITT and the People’s Transportation Plan, the public is encouraged to visit the CITT’s website at http://www.miamidade.gov/citt, or call 305-375-1357.
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