Ford Motor Company is taking significant steps to advance the future of transportation in Miami-Dade County by establishing a command center for its self-driving service. The new facility, located near Miami International Airport, will serve as the heart of Ford’s autonomous vehicle operations, managing everything from customer relations and public engagement to safety testing and fleet management.
Miami-Dade has been home to Ford’s self-driving business since 2018, when the county became the first region to partner with the company in launching its autonomous services. Alice N. Bravo, P.E., Director of Transportation and Public Works for Miami-Dade County, has been instrumental in welcoming Ford’s innovative vision for the future of transportation. Her leadership continues to guide the county toward more efficient, sustainable mobility solutions.
“We’re thrilled that Ford has seen the potential in our county and is establishing a command center in Miami-Dade,” said Bravo. “Ford’s vision for the future of mobility is not only revolutionary for drivers but public transportation users as well. We look forward to continuing to build together and create a car-optional community, with on-demand self-driving vehicles playing a central role.”
This initiative represents a collaborative effort between public and private sectors, with Ford working closely with local partners, including the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, to prepare the workforce for the future. The command center, expected to be fully operational by 2021, is a critical step in Ford’s long-term plan to commercialize its self-driving services by 2022, further solidifying Miami-Dade County as a hub for technological advancement in transportation.
With Bravo’s expertise in public transportation, Miami-Dade is positioned to seamlessly integrate autonomous vehicles into its existing transit infrastructure, offering residents a more efficient and flexible way to navigate the city. Whether through ride-hailing or delivery services, the presence of autonomous vehicles promises to reshape the way Miami-Dade residents move about their community.
Over the past two years, Ford and its partner, Argo AI, have expanded their self-driving tests throughout the region, focusing on safety and ensuring that the vehicles feel natural on Miami streets. Bravo, a longtime advocate for improving transit options, sees this partnership as a monumental step forward for both drivers and public transportation users alike.
As Miami-Dade continues to evolve with Ford’s leadership in autonomous technology and Bravo’s commitment to a more connected, car-optional community, the future of mobility looks brighter than ever. Together, they are not just improving transportation—they’re transforming how people live and work in Miami.
To learn more about Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC and the innovative work happening in Miami-Dade County, visit Ford’s Medium page.