Trust passes executive director evaluation and urges Amtrak to reconsider intermodal commitment

The Citizens Independent Transportation Trust on Jan. 29 approved two formal resolutions recorded on the meeting agenda.

First, the trust approved a resolution accepting the chair’s evaluation of the executive director and the recommendations contained in the CITT bylaws. The motion was moved and seconded and passed by recorded voice vote; the transcript records the motion, a discussion led by the chair and several members, and a roll call voice approval by the trust.

Second, the trust unanimously approved a resolution urging Amtrak to reconsider a recent decision not to extend regular Amtrak passenger service to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC). The resolution also urges Miami‑Dade’s congressional delegation and federal officials to intervene “as necessary and appropriate” to pursue Amtrak’s long‑standing commitment to the MIC extension. The resolution followed earlier discussion at prior meetings and recent correspondence indicating that Amtrak had informed county officials it would not proceed with the previously anticipated service extension.

Why it matters: The MIC was built as a multimodal hub intended to include airport people‑mover, Tri‑Rail, intercity bus and, historically, intercity rail service. Trust members said the loss of Amtrak service at MIC frustrates regional connectivity goals and may leave significant facility capacity unused. The resolution is an urging by the trust; it does not impose legal obligations on Amtrak but signals county concern and asks elected officials and federal partners to engage.

Votes and procedural notes: The transcript records motion, second and voice votes; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public transcript. The resolutions passed and the chair and several members made brief remarks in support of the director and in favor of urging federal engagement to restore Amtrak service to MIC.