(Left to Right) Miami International Mall General Manager Pamela Wheeler, Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, Miami-Dade Commissioner District 12 Miriam Alonso Director of Miami-Dade Transit Agency Danny Alvarez in front of one of the new mini-busses.

The mini-busses will run every half hour during peak, rush-hour times, from 7 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 6 in the afternoon, and every forty-five minutes the rest of the day.

The dedication ceremony May 1 was attended by Miami International Mall General Manager Pamela Wheeler, Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, Miami-Dade Commissioner District 12 Miriam Alonso Director of Miami-Dade Transit Agency Danny Alvarez. All were instrumental in the creation of the new service, as was Miami-Dade Commissioner Miguel de la Portilla, who Alvarez said regretfully couldn't attend.

The officials spoke excitedly of the new service, which should help not only employees that work in Doral get to their jobs, but also give Doral residents who work outside the area an alternative means of commuting.

"This is a tremendous opportunity," Alonso said. "To have this kind of service in our area brings benefits not only to those who need it, but also those who just want to ride a clean bus and avoid the headache of traffic congestion."

As Alonso implied, the busses that service the Doral route won't be the typical huge vehicles that many of us associate with public transportation--in fact, they will be quieter and more comfortable than their mass transit cousins.

"These mini-busses," Alvarez said, "are 24 instead of 40 feet, they are narrower, and they are much more comfortable, with foam-cushioned seats instead of fiberglass shell. Plus there will be a wheel chair lift on each of them as well as two bike racks."

Alvarez also explained that the "Connection" was designed to allow passengers to reach much more of Doral than was previously accessible by public transportation.

'The busses will stop about every other block as well as at major destination points, including Ryder headquarters, Carnival Cruise Lines, the Miami-Dade Police

Department, and, of course, the line will terminate at Miami International Mall," he said.

Wheeler was clearly excited about the prospect of increased accessibility for the mall, which has been a normal bus stop since its construction 19 years ago.

"This is perfect," she said, "it helps bring in consumers and makes it easier for our store employees to get to work. And now, because the transit system allows you to get here from anywhere in the county, it opens up not only the mall but the entire community to people from across the county."

Penelas was equally enthusiastic about the project, and very appreciate of Miami International's willingness to participate.

"I'd like to thank the mall and Simon Corporation (who owns Miami International) for allowing us to have this ceremony here," he said, "they've been very cooperative with all aspects of this project."

Penelas also explained that the "Doral Connection" was part of a larger change in policy by his administration and the transit department.

He said, "Both shifts in philosophy, towards smaller busses and more frequent stops, grew out of last year's transit campaign. This project and the West Dade Connection (a similar service that will run from Miami International Mall to the Cutler Ridge Mall) will help alleviate some of the transportation shortcomings in the area."

The county commission unanimously approved the funding for the projects, but Alvarez made it clear that it was Alonso's perseverance that made the service a reality.

"From the time she (Alonso) was elected, she has advocated solutions to the lack of services in her district," he said.

Penelas cited Alonso's hard work in his remarks, and was clearly grateful for her support of his transportation efforts.

He said, "I've been a strong supporter of Transit, and I fought along with Commissioner Alonso and the other commissioners to find the monies needed for this project."

But Alvarez emphasized that there was still a long way to go before Doral's transportation shortcomings can be completely remedied.

"While this won't solve the problems out here, but it is a step towards fixing the deficiencies," Alvarez said.

Alonso added, "In the three and a half years since becoming a commissioner, I've discussed the need for this type of transportation. I'm extremely happy and proud that the county responded to the needs of our community, and also I'd also like to thank Miami International and transit for their support. More busses mean less traffic problems in our community."