Miami-Dade announces temporary partnership with Uber, expands MetroConnect service
MIAMI - Starting this week, Miami-Dade bus riders who were impacted by changes from the new bus network services will be able to request *free* Uber rides to help them get to their destination.
"I think it's an outstanding deal they're giving them," said Alicia Lightbourad.
She has been riding Route 95 for 22 years so she's not affected by the discontinued routes but is happy to hear alternatives are offered.
"I think it's a great deal for everybody, collectively," said Lightbourad.
County officials announced the measure as an additional solution to support riders impacted by changes in Metrobus service following the launch of the Better Bus Network.
Officials said, "The short-term solutions include expanded MetroConnect service, renewed cooperation with neighboring cities and municipalities, an interim partnership with Uber to provide transportation vouchers for residents in certain areas where bus services have been altered and additional outreach sessions where residents will continue to have the opportunity to provide feedback on the new system."
"Since the launch of the Better Bus Network, we have been listening closely to our riders and bus operators alike, collecting feedback on wait times, ease of access, and alternative mobility options," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
The expanded Northeast MetroConnect service is bounded by:
Biscayne Blvd to the East
NW 183rd St to the North
Golden Glades to the West
NE 135th St to the South
Officials said the MetroConnect shared ride, on demand service also continues providing first and last-mile connections in 10 zones Countywide. Residents should download the MetroConnect app to start riding or call 786-321-5842 to sign up and book a FREE ride.
"The zones are the TransitWay, Cutler Bay, Kendall South, Kendall North, Dadeland South Dadeland North, Westchester, Civic Center and North Dade."
You are urged to visit MetroConnect for more information.
Officials said the Uber service aims to provide service support where Metrobus routes have been altered and will be available on the following routes:
The discontinued section of (old) Route 135 - Miami Lakes Drive to Golden Glades
(Old) Route 42 - Opa-locka Tri-Rail Station to Douglas Road Metrorail Station
Discontinued section of Route 104 - Dadeland North to Miami Dade College Kendall along SW 88th St, SW 87th Ave, SW 104th St, SW 97th Ave, SW 112th St, SW 112th Ave, SW 104th St.
Discontinued section of (old) Route 2 - NW 84th St to 163rd St Mall
Discontinued section of (old) Route 16 - NE 79th St to 163rd St Mall
A portion of (old) Route E - Golden Glades to Aventura, including 192nd St in Sunny Isles
The Uber voucher program will provide residents with a convenient and reliable alternative during the transition to the new Better Bus Network, ensuring continued access to essential services and destinations, according to the county.
"The system is very simple, it'll be just like calling Uber, you have to be along that route, it can't be I'm here (in Downtown Miami) and I want to go to Rock Stadium, or I want to go to the Airport," said Miami-Dade Department of Transportation spokesman Juan Mendieta.
He added that the person must request the Uber within 500 feet of the route.
"Our residents will be able to take advantage of this opportunity via a QR Code at a bus shelter," said Giovanni Castro, Policy and Communications Officer for Uber.
He said riders will also have a phone number they can call to request the service. Castro said the Uber driver will not charge the rider.
"Those rides will be subsidized because you're utilizing a phone number or the QR Code that is designated specifically for this Miami-Dade program," he said.
For more information on the Uber voucher program, expanded MetroConnect, and upcoming community sessions, residents can visit Better Bus SHIFTS into Gear.