Transit officials scrutinize STS on-time performance amid user complaints of long wait times

The Miami-Dade County Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust convened on January 29, 2025, to discuss various transportation issues affecting the community. The meeting focused on vehicle performance metrics, on-time performance of the Special Transportation Service (STS), and the methods used to collect and validate data.

The session began with a discussion led by Deputy Director Sean Aitchison regarding the operational lifespan of vehicles within the transportation system. Aitchison noted that the longevity of vehicles is crucial, as it directly correlates with their performance before failure. He emphasized that while some performance metrics may appear to be declining, they still exceed expected standards.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns about the STS's on-time performance. A member expressed skepticism about the reported figures, stating that personal experiences indicated a much lower on-time rate than the 87% often cited. The discussion revealed that the STS defines "on time" as arriving within a 30-minute window of the scheduled pickup time, which may contribute to the perception of delays among users.

Aitchison explained that the STS employs GPS technology to track vehicles and validate their arrival times. This system measures the time from the scheduled pickup to the actual arrival, stopping the clock once the vehicle is within a designated geofence. While this method aligns with industry standards set by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), it was acknowledged that the broad 30-minute window could lead to longer wait times for passengers, particularly during peak usage times, such as after church services.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for ongoing evaluation of the STS's performance metrics and the importance of transparent communication with the public regarding service expectations. The Trust plans to continue monitoring these issues to ensure that transportation services meet the needs of Miami-Dade County residents effectively.