Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust celebrates the Second Anniversary of the CITT Ambassador Program and Honors the 2024 CITT Ambassador of the Year

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, alongside officials from the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) and community leaders, gathered at Casa Cuba in South Miami this morning to celebrate the second anniversary of the CITT Ambassador Program and honor the 2024 CITT Ambassador of the Year.

The event highlighted the program's success, which gives CITT Ambassadors a voice and a means by which they can share feedback about their transit experiences.

"The CITT Ambassador Program is a shining example of how we can bring government and residents together to ensure that every resident has safe, reliable and efficient transit options," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Public transit is critical to a thriving community, and through this program, we are empowering residents to become champions for mobility solutions that improve the quality of life for all. I congratulate this year's CITT Ambassador of the Year and express my gratitude to all our ambassadors for their unwavering commitment to improving Miami-Dade's transit system."

Launched in 2023, the CITT Ambassador Program allows frequent transit riders to fill out surveys that can be accessed via an online app. The information captured is then compiled and shared with the Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works and local municipalities in an effort to enhance the transit experience.

The program also helps the CITT ensure that assets funded by the County’s half-cent Surtax remain in good condition.

In exchange for their feedback, CITT Ambassadors earn points that can be traded for mobility rewards, such as discounts on ride-share services like Uber and Lyft.

Robert Wolfarth, Chair of the CITT, praised the program's impact, saying, "In just two years, the CITT Ambassador Program has become a model for civic engagement in transportation. By working directly with residents, we are strengthening the link between the community and the decision-making process that shapes our transit system. This initiative ensures that the voices of transit riders are being heard and that our transportation solutions truly reflect the needs of the people."

Over the past two years, the program has expanded its reach, fostering a stronger public participation, advocating for improvements that directly impact Miami-Dade transit riders.

This year's CITT Ambassador of the Year, Alex Montalvo, was recognized for his outstanding efforts in filling out transit surveys, which provide feedback that transit providers use to enhance mobility options across the county.

The event also underscored the importance of public engagement in shaping Miami-Dade's transit future.

Meg Daly, Chair of the CITT's Community Engagement Committee, emphasized the program's unique approach to community involvement, saying, "The CITT Ambassador Program is an innovative approach to community engagement and public transit. By leveraging transit users as its ambassadors, we receive real-time and hands-on public engagement. Rather than simply informing the public, we are engaging them – giving residents a seat at the table and the tools they need to advocate for a stronger, more connected Miami-Dade. This kind of grassroots participation is essential to building a transportation system that truly serves our diverse community."

As the CITT Ambassador Program enters its third year, CITT officials remain committed to expanding its reach and impact, encouraging more residents to get involved in shaping Miami-Dade's public transportation.

Visit the CITT Ambassador Program page for more information about the program. Anyone wishing to obtain more about the CITT is encouraged to visit CITT’s website or call 305-375-1357.