Top ambassador saluted for Miami-Dade Transit feedback

Last week, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) celebrated the third anniversary of the CITT Ambassador Program and recognized the 2025 CITT Ambassador of the Year for outstanding contributions to the innovative rider-driven feedback and public engagement program.

Launched in 2023, the CITT Ambassador Program empowers frequent transit riders to share real-time insights through brief, regular online surveys. That feedback is compiled and shared with the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works and municipal partners to strengthen the transit experience, support service improvements, identify issues that riders see first, and help ensure transportation investments funded by the half-penny surtax remain in good condition.

CITT Ambassadors earn points for their participation that can be redeemed for mobility rewards, such as ride-share credits on Uber and Lyft. As the program continues to grow, CITT leaders say the program is strengthening the connection between community voices and transportation decision-making.

“In only three years, this program has become a trusted, on-the-ground channel for what riders are experiencing and for what needs attention,” said Mary Street, CITT’s chair. “The CITT Ambassador Program reflects what CITT is here to do: protect the public’s investment, elevate community input, and push for a transit system that works for everyone.”

The program’s strength is its simplicity for meeting people where they are, and turning lived experiences into actionable insight, added Miguel Murphy, chair of the CITT’s Community Engagement Committee.

“This is a hands-on community engagement that is powered by riders, informed by real experiences, and focused on solutions. When we talk about transparency and accountability, this is what it looks like: listening consistently, tracking patterns, and sharing that information with the agencies responsible for improving service,” he said. “The CITT Ambassador Program helps us ensure that residents aren’t just being informed, they’re being engaged and are helping guide the future of transit in Miami-Dade County.”

Honored as the 2025 CITT Ambassador of the Year was Theo Karantsalis, who this past year earned a record-breaking 167,400 points for completing surveys while riding virtually all modes of public transportation in Miami-Dade County.

“I’m socially awkward, but as a retired Miami Dade College librarian, I saw public transit as a way to learn from people, answer questions, and represent our community well,” he said. “Last year, I rode upward of 15,000 miles on buses, trains, trolleys, and Freebees, across the county, plus Amtrak and Brightline. I tracked it with logbooks and apps, and shared tips to improve service.”

Mr. Karantsalis, a volunteer CITT Ambassador since July 2023, sees transit as a better means of transit for people to get to work, school, and appointments reliably and affordably.

“To me, it means independence. It means I can go swimming at the UM (University of Miami) pool and visit doctors by myself. This award recognizes how to love your neighbor through service,” he added. “Each stop takes me to a place where I can do good in someone’s life; from directions, conversation, or kindness when someone looks like they’re barely holding it together, because when you lift someone’s spirits, you may have saved their life.”

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