On Earth Day, Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust honored the leaders advancing mobility and sustainability in Miami-Dade County

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT), in collaboration with Miami’s Community Newspapers, hosted the first annual CITT Mobility Matters Awards, bringing together transportation leaders, community stakeholders and mobility partners for an Earth Day celebration of innovation, leadership and progress in Miami-Dade County.

The event, held at Miami Dade College’s The Idea Center in downtown Miami, featured Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega as keynote speaker, and recognized organizations whose work is helping shape a more connected, accessible and sustainable future for Miami-Dade residents.

Created to honor trailblazers, innovators and service providers transforming mobility across the County, the CITT Mobility Matters Awards reflect the Trust’s commitment to the projects, partnerships and leadership helping move Miami-Dade forward.

This year’s Trailblazer Award was presented to The Underline, which was recognized for reimagining mobility by transforming the land beneath Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and public space that is improving first-and last-mile access to transit.

The Innovation & Impact Award was presented to Metro EXPRESS (Bus Rapid Transit Service) for bringing faster, more reliable and more sustainable transit service to South Dade through a modern bus rapid transit system designed to improve access to jobs, education and essential destinations.

The Onward & Upward Award was presented to the City of Miami, recognized for its commitment to expanding local mobility options and strengthening transit service through its municipal trolley system and continued investment in transportation improvements.

The People’s Choice Award – which was selected by those attending the event via an online, live voting – went to The Underline. By combining mobility, green space, public art and community gathering areas in one corridor, The Underline stands out as a project that promotes healthier, more sustainable and more connected neighborhoods in Miami-Dade. 

“Mobility is about far more than transportation alone – it is about access, opportunity and quality of life. On behalf of the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust, I congratulate this year’s winners for the meaningful work they are doing to improve how our residents move throughout Miami-Dade County,” said CITT Chair Mary Street.

She added, “Each of these honorees represents the kind of vision, innovation and commitment that helps build a stronger, more connected and more sustainable community.”

Javier Betancourt, Executive Director for the CITT, said the awards ceremony, which was timed to coincide with Earth Day, underscores the importance of sustainable transit and transportation solutions that expand access while supporting a healthier and more resilient community.

“The awards highlight the growing role transportation innovation plays in advancing sustainability goals. From greener infrastructure and multimodal design, to enhanced public transit options that can help reduce congestion and emissions – this year’s honorees demonstrate how mobility solutions can also contribute to a healthier environment,” Betancourt said.

He added that the awards were created to recognize the leaders and projects making a real difference in our community.

At the ceremony, a few lucky winners from among the audience were given a free one-day transit pass to try the new Metro Express Bus Rapid Transit service in south Miami-Dade. 

The event brought together CITT Trust Members, CITT Ambassadors, community leaders, transportation stakeholders and representatives from finalist organizations across Miami-Dade County, as well as faculty and students from Miami Dade College.

View the entire awards ceremony on CITT's YouTube channel. 

About the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust
The Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust is the independent oversight body of the People’s Transportation Plan, helping to promote accountability, transparency and public awareness regarding surtax-funded transportation improvements in Miami-Dade County. To learn more about the CITT and about the projects and services funded with surtax dollars, visit the CITT website, or 305-375-1357.