|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) Mobility Matters podcast continues to shine a light on the important issues that have an impact on transportation and mobility in South Florida.
In 2024 alone, CITT Executive Director and Mobility Matters host, Javier Betancourt, engaged in thought-provoking conversations with more than 30 guests, including transportation experts, public officials, community leaders, and activists. Together, they explore a wide range of topics, from transit-oriented development to the expansion of mass rapid transit corridors and beyond.
In a notable episode, Betancourt interviewed Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 1, the Honorable Oliver G. Gilbert III, and his representative on the Trust, Miguel Murphy. Their discussion centered on significant transportation initiatives in District 1 and throughout the County.
Gilbert highlighted the importance of having a different type of conversation around rapid mass transit – one that looks at the true cost of not planning for it in the future.
“Far too often, I see that we talk about it in terms of how much it’s going to cost us, not in terms of how much it’s going to cost us not to do it,” Gilbert said.
He added, “What’s the congestion cost? I know the answer. It’s $12 billion for the Tri-County area. That’s the congestion cost. One of the highest in the country… We don’t realize it, but by not having a more robust rapid mass transit system is actually a tax on us right now.”
Both Gilbert and Murphy also spoke about how in August 2024, an overwhelming majority of Miami-Dade County voters – nearly 80 percent – expressed their support for the expansion of rapid mass transit in Miami-Dade County.
In addition, they spoke about land use, economic development, resiliency and how they are all interconnected with the development of rapid transit corridors.
Trust Member Murphy underscored the importance of collaborative planning between county officials and the CITT to ensure a project’s successful implementation.
“As a Trust member on the CITT, definitely my role is to ensure that those funds are appropriated to advance mass transit for the future,” Murphy said. “So, myself, along with my colleagues (have witnessed) how the North Corridor has definitely been brought up …So, there is hope. I look forward seeing what is to be.”
This episode exemplifies the podcast’s commitment to addressing pressing transportation issues and fostering informed dialogue among key stakeholders.
To watch the full episode, look for it on CITT’s Facebook page: Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust, or on Miami’s Community Newspapers YouTube channel: @communitynewspapers1946.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com
#thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay
