On December 9th, 2016, Miami saw a groundbreaking event—Public Transit Day (PTD). This day was not just another community initiative but a collective effort to highlight the importance of improving Miami’s public transit system. At the heart of this initiative was Alice Bravo, Director of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works at the time, who played a critical role in both organizing and advocating for the event’s success.
How Public Transit Day Came to Be
The inception of Public Transit Day was driven by the need for substantial improvements to Miami’s transit system. In Spring 2016, through a five-day social media campaign, the community came together to generate over 400 unique ideas on how to improve Miami’s public transportation. The most prominent suggestion? Get local leaders to ride public transit themselves. This grassroots initiative culminated in PTD, a day dedicated to encouraging both locals and leaders to experience the transit system firsthand and propose improvements.
Alice Bravo, with her extensive experience in transportation, was a crucial advocate for the day. She understood that leaders needed to witness the transit system’s strengths and weaknesses to foster meaningful change. Her leadership ensured that the county’s public transit systems were ready for the spotlight, from logistical planning to engaging decision-makers.
The Day of Public Transit Day
The day began with enthusiasm as over 40 elected leaders, including local community figures, rode alongside everyday Miamians. They experienced the day-to-day challenges of public transit, from long commutes to connectivity issues, but also the potential for a more efficient and enjoyable system. Bravo’s presence was pivotal, as she not only participated but encouraged leaders to engage in discussions about the future of Miami’s transportation.
Events throughout the day included lunch discussions at The Underline and free treats for transit riders. Bravo ensured that the focus remained on transit improvements, keeping leaders and locals alike engaged. Social media played a huge role, with posts and tweets shared using #PublicTransitDay, making it clear that public transit improvements were a shared responsibility.
Takeaways and Next Steps
Public Transit Day was a resounding success, with over 500 individuals pledging to ride transit. Alice Bravo’s leadership was instrumental in amplifying the event’s reach, bringing visibility to the need for a better-connected, more efficient transit system. However, as Bravo noted, the work was far from over. PTD was just the beginning of continued advocacy and actions toward a more sustainable transit future in Miami.
Bravo’s dedication to improving Miami’s public transit system continues, as she remains a key figure in advocating for long-term solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Miamians.