Aided by $6.65 million in federal stimulus funding, the service will utilize nine state-of-the-art 60-foot hybrid-electric buses with plenty of comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi connectivity.

Traffic signal prioritization will extend the green light for the buses as needed in certain intersections to help keep buses on schedule.

With this new route, MDT also will be testing a new Bus Tracker system that allows passengers to check next bus arrival times via the Internet or on web-enabled mobile devices. As part of a second phase, selected bus shelters will provide real-time "Next Bus" information via electronic signs.

"This new service will take the stress out of commuting on Kendall Drive," Miami-Dade Transit Director Harpal Kapoor said. "Passengers can sit back and ride in style aboard these comfortable, fuel-efficient buses and even take advantage of free Wi-Fi service to work on their laptops."

The Kendall Cruiser will consist of two lines, each running every 15 minutes during rush hours with service to the Dadeland North Metrorail station:

• One line will start near SW 162nd Avenue and will pick up passengers at selected stops on Kendall Drive, ending at the Dadeland North Station.
• The other line will start at SW 124th Avenue and will pick up passengers at SW 124th, SW 117th and 107th avenues on Kendall Drive, ending at the Dadeland North Station.

For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/transit or call 305-891-3131. For TDD service, call 305-468-5402.