MetroConnect sets record, use soars within weeks

Since the on-demand minivans’ Nov. 13 relaunch in tandem with the Better Bus Network, the county’s MetroConnect weekday ridership has increased a reported 18%, which equals 143 more rides per day.

On Nov. 27, MetroConnect handled 953 rides, the highest daily ridership observed since its inception in October 2020, according to the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works’ ridership report.

The ridesharing app added four new zones as part of the November expansion launch, which includes Westchester, TransitWay, South Dade, and North Dade. The West Kendall zone was divided into Kendall North and Kendall South. Similarly, the Dadeland Zone was divided into Dadeland North and Dadeland Zone.

On Oct. 2, Go Connect was rebranded MetroConnect and service was expanded from four zones to 10. Since the service expansion, the number of rides has increased about 103%, with minivans carrying 484 more passengers each weekday. The top two zones include Cutler Bay, averaging around 290 rides per day, and the Kendall South route, with an average of around 142 completed rides per day.

The county says its MetroConnect expansion is integral to its commitment to the Better Bus SHIFTS into Gear plan, which is set to improve Metrobus service for more people with more frequency, as well as greater access to jobs and educational institutions throughout the county. That plan also launched Nov. 13.

Back in June, the county commission renewed the on-demand transit service for three more years. Complementing the Better Bus Network and the South Dade Bus Rapid Transit, MetroConnect has 36 minivans and plans to eventually expand to over 40 minivans in order to meet demand and expand the service across the county, along with over 60 drivers.

“Launching GO Connect during the pandemic was a testament to our adaptability and resilience, and its success has been a shining example of what we can achieve even in challenging times,” said Eulois Cleckley, transit director and CEO, after the rebranding announcement. “With MetroConnect, we’re building on that success. We aim to expand our reach, ensuring that even more areas of our community experience the many benefits this innovative transportation solution has to offer.”