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OCITT highlights ambassador program, community outreach and rising social media engagement
Summary
The OCITT presented quarterly community engagement work, recognized the June ambassador of the month and reported improved social media metrics and ongoing ambassador recruitment tied to municipal outreach.
The Office of the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust briefed members on community engagement activities, the CITT Ambassador program and digital outreach metrics.
The trust recognized Hesham Elajani as the CITT ambassador of the month for June 2025 and noted Kathleen Ahmed Vargas as the second‑quarter ambassador; Vargas will be recognized at an upcoming Transportation Committee meeting. Elajani spoke briefly at the dais: “Well, actually, thank you very much for the opportunity to help a little bit. And I do like, I do like the program because, it give us a voice,” and the trust presented him with a certificate and bonus points to redeem in the ambassador mobile app.
OCITT staff reported a full schedule of municipal presentations this quarter and participation at local events, including Mobility Matters programming and partnerships with Miami’s Community Newspapers. Staff said community outreach included municipal briefings and upcoming presentations to advisory boards (Elder Affairs Advisory Board, Community Relations Board, Commission for Women).
Joey Garcia, OCITT’s new digital media specialist, reported social media gains quarter‑over‑quarter including a 23% increase in reactions driven largely by LinkedIn growth and a 15% increase in followers overall. Staff said Facebook and Instagram metrics showed mixed trends while LinkedIn performed strongly. Cheryl Metzel, ambassador program coordinator, said the ambassador program held its first quarterly check‑in and focus group on May 15 and is testing email alerts and working with municipalities and the Freebie on‑demand service to recruit ambassadors on uncovered routes.
Why it matters: The ambassador program collects rider feedback that OCITT uses to inform service improvements; staff said continued outreach and digital engagement helps recruit volunteer ambassadors and raise public awareness of new services such as trolley pilots and the South Dade Transitway opening.
What’s next: Staff will continue municipal outreach, present the ambassador of the quarter to the Transportation Committee, piloting email alerts for ambassadors, and schedule a corridor tour of the South Dade Transitway later in August or early September.
