Shaping Transit through Innovation and Inclusion

Helping shape the Miami-Dade Transit system to become more inclusive is what drives Jarice Rodriguez, Interim Chief of Paratransit Operations at Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transit and Public Works (DTPW). “We are at a pivotal time in Miami-Dade County DTPW,” shares Jarice. “We are making decisions and planning ways to close the gap, through technology, to make the rider experience more inclusive and enjoyable for all riders.” 
 
A professional engineer by training, Jarice realized early on that her true passion lies in the socioeconomic impact of connecting communities through mass transit. “After receiving my master’s and doctorate degrees, I realized academia was a small aspect of being able to connect communities. I wanted to be involved and more hands-on,” she shared. 
 
This desire led her to a role with the City of Miami before joining the DTPW in 2016, where she worked in the Office of Innovation. There, she explored cutting-edge technologies – including autonomous vehicles – in collaboration with leading organizations such as Ford and the Knight Foundation. One of her most memorable projects involved leading a pilot program at Zoo Miami, which involved transporting visitors from the parking lot to the ticket booths.
 
This passion for innovation eventually led Jarice to her current role leading the Special Transport Service (STS) Division. “Miami-Dade’s STS is the 16th largest in the nation and the largest in the state of Florida with over 40,000 users. We conduct over 6,500 rides a day. For many, this is a vital service that allows residents of varying abilities to be independent.” explained Jarice. 
 
Modernizing the system is nothing short of revolutionary, she notes.  “We are working on the ability to allow riders, their caretakers and their families to plan their rides in a similar fashion used in rideshare applications. This includes providing real-time updates, estimated arrival times, and optimizing navigation based on current traffic conditions. It gives our riders and their loved ones peace of mind.”
 
Jarice is quick to emphasize that this work is a team effort. “The STS Team is truly unique, and I am proud to be a part of it. We all share that passion to continue to enhance these services and make it accessible to everyone who needs them.” 
 
That passion is reflected in the feedback they receive – from cancer patients receiving lifesaving treatments to families grateful for allowing their loved one the opportunity to live independently. One story in particular stands out to Jarice. 
 
“Back when I was with the Office of Innovation, I worked with a gentleman in one of our focus groups who always provided great insights. Years later, when I transitioned to STS, I received a call from him about his son’s recent ride. When I explained to him the new technology we have been exploring, he immediately remembered me. He shared with me how important STS is to his family, especially his son, who relies on the services to work a part time job for a few hours every Friday. The following week, we received a photo of his son smiling in our STS vehicle. It was a heartwarming reminder of why we do this.”
 
Outside of work, Jarice enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, relaxing on the water, and enjoying Miami’s diverse cuisines.
 
Keep THRIVING Jarice!