Josiel Ferrer-Diaz, Director/CEO, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works
Invest: sat down with Josiel Ferrer-Diaz, director and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, to discuss the shifting perception of mass transit in the county and the projects that are paving the way for a mobility-focused future in Miami. “Areas like Coconut Grove and Douglas Road are becoming more desirable as people seek to live near transit, and the development community is taking notice,” he said.
How would you describe the current state of Miami-Dade’s transportation and public works infrastructure?
We’re growing, and growth is important. Across the landscape of transportation and public works, there is increasing attention on public transit and mobility throughout the county, which is shaping development. People are taking advantage of transit-oriented developments (TODs) and bus rapid transit to expand their reach without having to commute traditionally.
In public works, while growth is evident, we are also feeling its strain, making strategic management essential. It’s not just about adding people haphazardly but about investing in technology and proper planning. For the first time, we are releasing a master plan soon — something our department has never had — allowing us to address funding needs and explore future opportunities.
How will the Metromover upgrade project impact overall transit efficiency and user experience?
The Metromover has been in service since the 1980s, and while this upgrade may not be the flashiest project, it is essential. The focus is on modernizing the system — upgrading core components such as switches, hydraulics, systems hardware, and cabling — to ensure it meets the latest industry standards. These improvements will enhance reliability, efficiency, and overall user experience while making the system more adaptable for future expansion.
A key consideration has been the potential extension toward Miami Beach and the Design District. Without first investing in our existing infrastructure, those expansions wouldn’t be feasible. This project aligns with our broader mission: maintaining and strengthening our current system to support future growth.
What are the major shifts in ridership patterns, and how have they influenced your department’s strategies?
It’s something we’re very proud of. Formerly known as the Better Bus Program, this initiative has had a significant positive impact on ridership. While many other cities are seeing declines, we’ve experienced a 10% increase since the launch in the fall of 2023. This growth has moved us from the 15th to the 10th largest transit agency in the nation — accomplished simply by realigning and reimagining our system to better serve the public’s needs by creating high-frequency bus corridors across the county.
This ridership surge shows that people are ready to embrace public transit and its expansion. As we continue our transportation planning, including bicycle infrastructure, we must account for population growth and ensure residents have safe, reliable alternatives to car travel.
Can you discuss any technological advancements that are enhancing the efficiency and reliability of Miami-Dade’s transit systems?
MetroConnect has played a crucial role in enhancing transit efficiency and reliability. As we rolled out our new network, MetroConnect provided essential support, ensuring that no riders were left stranded. This on-demand service has allowed us to expand our service in many zones.
From a technology perspective, we’re not just focusing on growth but also on safety. We’re implementing extensive monitoring and training programs for our operators to create a safer transit network. One major advancement is transit signal prioritization along the South Corridor, a first at this scale for our system. Additionally, we are introducing a progressive, new traffic signal system that adapts to real-time demand, improving traffic flow and transit efficiency.
When it comes to safety, we’re shifting our approach. Historically, we’ve analyzed crashes, but we’re now incorporating near-miss data to proactively identify risks and prevent accidents before they happen. This forward-thinking use of technology will help us build a safer, more responsive transit system.
Infrastructure resilience is a growing concern, especially in coastal cities. What measures is DTPW taking to ensure long-term sustainability and climate adaptability?
It’s important not just for transit but also for drainage projects. In the beach corridor, for example, there is some concern about the elevated path, but we must carefully evaluate the materials we use to ensure they can withstand the local climate.
Equally important is maintaining our existing infrastructure and finding ways to make our facilities more resilient. These factors are central to our master plan, as well as the facilities master plan, both of which are designed to prepare us for future growth.
What are the biggest challenges facing Miami-Dade’s transportation infrastructure today, and how is DTPW addressing them?
Our challenges are not unique. One of the biggest is aging infrastructure, coupled with funding gaps — particularly in covering operational costs. Much of this stems from how transportation has been subsidized over the past five years.
To address this, we’ve focused on securing grant funding, improving efficiency, and being better stewards of public dollars. The combination of aging infrastructure and funding constraints remains a key challenge, but strategic financial management is helping us bridge the gap.
Rising operational costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions are impacting infrastructure projects nationwide. How is your department mitigating these risks?
Over the past five years, we have faced significant challenges with the available labor force. To address this, we introduced monetary incentives for bus operators and those who refer them, which has led to a noticeable increase in staffing. As a result, we now have a more manageable workforce gap in transit operators.
Another challenge has been material shortages within the manufacturing sector, which have had ripple effects across industries. While some sectors are still catching up, we are proactively monitoring manufacturing lead times and future availability to ensure the long-term maintenance and sustainability of our infrastructure.
Looking ahead, what do you envision as the next big leap in Miami’s transportation infrastructure over the next decade?
We’re going to see a shift, and our community is ready to embrace the transition to a true big city. Not only do we have the population numbers, but we are also geographically spread out. With the South Corridor complete, we’re preparing to open the Northeast Corridor, which will include five intermediate stations between Aventura and Downtown Miami, enhancing connectivity.
Transportation is the second-largest household expense, so expanding transit options will free up more disposable income, helping to fuel small business growth. Additionally, we’re seeing increased private investment in public transit, demonstrating its value. Areas like Coconut Grove and Douglas Road are becoming more desirable as people seek to live near transit, and the development community is taking notice. Over time, we’ll see corridor transformations, attracting businesses that previously shied away due to car-centric development.
On the public works side, severe flooding now occurs four to five times a year, making it critical to ensure our pump stations and drainage systems can handle the impact. We’re also exploring predictive analytics to forecast rainfall patterns and anticipate how our infrastructure will respond, allowing us to serve the community more effectively.
