$136 million investment aims to improve customer experience at MIA

miami – Work that creates modern times miami international airport begins.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning at the site of the airport’s new parking lot. The $136 million investment is aimed at improving the customer experience at MIA.

“The future is now,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levin Cava.

It’s not just about creating more parking spaces. Work is underway on the first of many major projects within his $7 billion capital improvement program at Miami International Airport.

CBS News Miami reporter Joe Gocho asked MIA Director and CEO Ralphie Cutie why the parking garage was one of CIP’s first projects.

“Given the growth and ridership over the past two years, it’s been explosive,” says Cutie. “Parking really needs to be considered.”

During peak travel times, such as holidays, MIA garages are often less accessible than they are now.

“It will permanently solve the parking situation,” Cutie added.

The visible pile of rubble will be transformed into a seven-story parking garage that is an extension of the Flamingo Garage. Adds over 2,200 spaces. Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

“The worst airport in the world,” said one MIA passenger named Tony.

The construction of the new garage is of no consolation to passengers currently using the airport. Signs were seen scattered throughout the garage and airport, blocking access to elevators, escalators and moving walkways.

The SkyTrain, which carries passengers, will remain closed for at least another month for repairs.

“It was chaos after we arrived from St Maarten after our holiday,” Tony said. “I have to use a wheelchair. The wheelchair arrived, but it didn’t arrive on our flight, so the wheelchair was embargoed. It took an hour to an hour and a half to get the wheelchair. I did.”

MIA is committed to improving the customer experience, and the county is investing $681 million to renovate all elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.

“Given that we average about 30 modernizations per year, while those modernizations are going on, we will also be doing major repairs and preventative maintenance on down units,” Cutie added.

And more than 200 restrooms are being renovated.

Some airport workers will wear “I am MIA” vests next month. You can ask them questions and give feedback about your experience, just like Germaine did for us.

“If I come in from the street, where do I check in, the ticket, the gate?” Germaine said. “Compared to the location of the gate…those aspects could be improved.”

“We want our passengers to share that we are here to listen,” Levine Cava said. “Concerns that may not have been addressed yet. Please feel free to provide information.”