Miami-Dade transit info goes visual 

Soofa signs will highlight local attractions near each Metromover stop in Florida county
Networking & Communication Systems / March 1, 2021
By Ben Spencer
Miami-Dade says Soofa signs can engage users with poll questions relevant to their community (Credit – Soofa)
Miami-Dade says Soofa signs can engage users with poll questions relevant to their community (© Soofa)

Miami-Dade County is to receive real-time transit updates, community-generated content and local news via interactive informational signs provided by Soofa

The technology start-up is to install two of its solar-powered signs near the Metromove Brickell Station and a third at the Government Center Station.

A statement issued by the Miami-Dade County government says the signs can engage users with poll questions relevant to the community while providing resources to help them become more familiar with transit services. 

The signs will be wrapped in a full-colour vinyl highlighting local attractions near each of the Metromover stops, providing wayfinding assistance to riders when they reach their destination.

Users will be able to interact with the informational digital display through an online, self-service platform called Soofa Talk. 

Miami-Dade county mayor Daniella Levine Cava says: “By leveraging new ideas and technology from private businesses and community groups, we are making improvements to Miami-Dade County’s infrastructure and enhancing our public transit system. Soon our transit riders will be interacting with and enjoying the benefits of Soofa Signs for a better, more reliable transit experience.”

As part of the project, Soofa will work with the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) to conduct user testing and online surveys to identify features that transit passengers care about most. 

DTPW director Alice N. Bravo, says the Soofa Signs will “improve the efficiency and connectivity of the county’s public transit system”. 

Soofa's signs were a winning entry in the City:One Challenge Miami-Dade challenge in 2018. 

Miami-Dade County and Ford Mobility conducted the nine-month challenge to serve as a crowdsourcing platform for residents, businesses and community groups to pilot solutions that improve mobility.