Miami-Dade taxi customers to benefit from major improvements in service and technology

(MIAMI) – Miami-Dade County taxi customers can look forward to a significantly improved riding experience thanks to two highly anticipated ordinances that received the County Commission’s final approved today.

Sponsored by County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, the ordinances call for a host of service and technology improvements for taxis in the County.

The first ordinance calls for all taxis operating in Miami-Dade to accept credit cards and feature global positioning dispatch systems, a SunPass, backseat digital security cameras, top lights and warning lights.

The SunPass requirement must be met within the next six months, credit-card machines must be installed within two years, and the GPS system and camera requirements must be met within the next 30 months.

The ordinance also sets vehicle age limits, requiring taxis to be replaced when they reach six years.

“We’re trying to bring our taxis into the 21st century,” Commissioner Diaz said. “This is going to create a better experience for everyone.”

The second ordinance establishes the “Ambassador Cab” program, which sets higher service standards for all taxis that pick up passengers at Miami International Airport – including the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) – and PortMiami. Drivers serving the two ports must wear a collared shirt, dark trousers or skirt and closed shoes; open doors for passengers; and load and unload luggage. Their vehicles must also display a special decal issued by the County.

“Cab drivers serving MIA and PortMiami are visitors’ first experience with Miami, so we need to make sure they make a good first impression because they’re representing our community to the world,” Commissioner Diaz said.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the two ordinances could result in the suspension or revocation of a driver’s registration and/or Ambassador Cab decal, depending on the number and type of violations.

For more information, please contact Commissioner Diaz’s office at 305-599-1200.