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GO Connect, a new almost door-to-door on-demand public transit service, was launched in Cutler Bay on Monday, Dec. 14.
The transportation project is being done in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) and Via, a TransitTech solutions company, for the residents of the Town of Cutler Bay.
The idea is to use technology to expand access to public transit countywide, alleviating congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving affordable mobility options without the need for a private vehicle.
“I was proud to support this project as a commissioner to bring more reliable, affordable transportation options to South Dade and help transit riders make the first-last mile connection,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I’m thrilled that it’s now available to our community. With innovative leadership like we have in Cutler Bay we can work to reduce traffic while also attracting new riders to transit.”
GO Connect provides residents and visitors with free rides, booked through a mobile app to the South Dade Transitway and within the Town of Cutler Bay. This is the second launching of the GO Connect service in Miami-Dade. The service was launched first in the Dadeland/South Miami area in October and will continue to expand service to the Civic Center Metrorail Station area and West Kendall by February.
To book a ride, users must download the GO Connect application in the App Store or Google Play and create an account. Riders will enter a desired pickup and drop-off address and receive the vehicle’s estimated pickup time, location and information.
Following social distancing guidelines set forth by the Miami-Dade County and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the service will limit the number of riders per vehicle, perform frequent and thorough wipe downs of the vehicle’s interior and high-contact surfaces, daily deep clean the vehicles and require riders to wear a face covering.
In addition, all GO Connect vehicles have been equipped with a plastic partition between drivers and riders, and the vehicle’s power sliding doors will provide a touchless entry and exit for riders.
For non-English speakers, the GO Connect app will be available at launch in Spanish, with Creole to follow. Riders without access to a smartphone can book a ride by calling 786-321-5842. The service will offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and door-to-door service for those with limited mobility.
GO Connect is available from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, in the Town of Cutler Bay and from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, in the Dadeland/South Miami Area.
“The town is very excited to offer this free on-demand service to our residents, which will directly affect our local business community as well,” said Rafael Casals, Cutler Bay town manager. “The app is very easy to download and use; the vehicles have all the required safety features including audio and visual cameras. This project is a great example of different governmental agencies working together towards one common goal of reducing the carbon footprint, providing free ride service, and supporting our local businesses.”
To learn more about the program visit goconnect.miamidade.gov or call 786-321-5842, Monday to Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
