Posted on Mon, Jul. 16, 2012

Letter writer Phil Ward wrote about a less than satisfactory transit experience ( Metrorail hard to navigate, June 15, Readers’ Forum). We value our customers and welcome their feedback, whether it’s critical or complimentary. They help us improve our system.

We have a safe, but aging, system that presents us with many challenges, including making improvements to an outdated public-address system and Metromover signage. We agree these things can be improved and have taken his suggestions to heart by improving the way we deliver transit information to patrons.

For instance, we have added a new ‘Mover Tracker’ that will show when Metromover vehicles are approaching each station, similar to our Train Tracker web application, which shows when trains are approaching Metrorail stations. Train Tracker is available on the iPhone app, as well as through Miami-Dade Transit’s mobile website at http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/mobile/Default.asp?.

In the meantime, we all can do some things to help offset these challenges, like plan transit trips in advance. There are a variety of options for regular and new transit users to obtain transit information, including the use of our transit website, calling the county’s 311 Answer Center and the use of web applications. We know some of these tools are not for everyone, but they offer extensive information that can help riders better plan their trips.

Regarding making special preparations during special events, for the June 19 and June 21 NBA finals, we had two trains on standby ready to provide additional service, if necessary. Metrorail parking garages also were kept open late for the convenience of our transit riders. Similar arrangements also were made for Fourth of July celebrations in downtown Miami.

While we make every effort to meet our transit riders’ needs, we also must do this within the confines of budget constraints affecting not only our local government, but also transit agencies across the country.

Ysela Llort, director,

Miami-Dade Transit, Miami