Miami-Dade Adds Jitney Permit Rules for Safety

Miami-Dade County requires jitney operators to obtain certification with route approval

Miami-Dade Adds Jitney Permit Rules

Miami-Dade County's requiring jitney operators to obtain a Passenger Motor Carrier Certificate of Transportation before launching service, transit officials said. The certification process involves route approval by the Metrobus Division, driver registration requirements, and vehicle inspections. Officials said the regulations aim to ensure passenger safety and vehicle fitness for services using vans and minibuses with seating for 9 to 28 passengers.

Route Approval Process

The certification requirements fall under Chapter 31, Article III of the Miami-Dade County Code, which governs passenger motor carrier services. These services provide prearranged transportation and must be licensed and regulated, according to the transit agency. Officials said jitney operators must submit a detailed route map with their application, and all proposed routes require evaluation and approval by the Metrobus Division. Transit planners strongly recommend applicants meet with department staff to review proposed routes before submitting applications, though officials didn't specify whether this consultation is mandatory.

Application Requirements

The application review process checks compliance with county code regulations and includes background checks covering financial and criminal record history, officials said. The approval process takes approximately one month from application submission. Regulatory and application fees are non-refundable and separate from occupational license fees, according to the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Additional business requirements include a Local Business Tax issued by the county and possibly a municipal license depending on company location, though officials didn't provide specific fee amounts.

Payment and Inspection Rules

Cash payments aren't accepted for jitney certification fees, officials said. Applicants can pay by check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. In-person renewals can be paid with credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, or American Express. Before beginning operations, vehicles must obtain valid inspection and operating permit decals from the Vehicle Inspection Station, and drivers must have valid chauffeur registration.

Operator Impact

Jitney operators must ensure drivers have for-hire chauffeur registration and vehicles pass inspection before launching service. Decorative or advertising decals and complete window wrapping are prohibited on regulated vehicles, officials said. The certification process aims to maintain safety standards for passengers using these mid-sized transit services. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on jitney routes and schedules throughout Miami-Dade County's transit network.