In 2020, the county introduced MetroConnect, an on-demand service that improves access to grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and educational opportunities by offering first- and last-mile connections to existing fixed-route transit. The service has grown to 11 zones that fill transit gaps and cover 1 million+ potential riders.
MetroConnect was built for inclusivity, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles along with a mobile app available in English, Spanish and Creole. As a fare free service, it is an essential option for riders — 42% of whom make under $25k annually.
As the service has grown, it has become more efficient and innovative. The cost-per-ride decreased by 23% between 2022 and 2023 while also introducing the largest on-demand public AV service in the United States.
Instead of having a four-mile fixed route with 20 bus stops, now we have a dynamic route with a hundred stops, which covers more people and helps connect them to opportunities.
— Carlos Cruz-Casas, Chief Innovation Officer, Miami-Dade County
To learn more about Miami-Dade's service, check out the following articles: