By Rachel Richardson
Broward County Transit (BCT) is taking to the street this month by engaging thousands of residents during the largest festivals this season. It’s first stops were at Miami Broward Carnival recently held at the Broward County Central Regional Park.
At Carnival’s recent J’ouvert celebration, BCT connected with more than six hundred people at the park and the Lauderhill Transit Center nearby. J’ouvert, originating in Trinidad and Tobago, is celebrated across the Caribbean culture and kicks off a series of festivities highlighted by hundreds of revelers, soca music, and, of course, lots of paint. As in years past, eventgoers took a moment to prepare for their “fête” by eating Jamaican patties, ackee and saltfish, doubles, and other nationally recognized Caribbean dishes.
BCT employees met eventgoers from across the Caribbean diaspora during this year’s J’ouvert. The event attracted both local and out-of-town visitors and BCT was there to encourage everyone to take BCT to their return destination.
“We were excited to increase our presence in the community at one of the county’s signature events,” Broward County Transit Marketing Manager Traci Pollock shared. “It’s a great way to connect with people.”
BCT is out this event season actively encouraging the community to jump on board to journey to any of their favorite events. The agency is committed to sharing with eventgoers just how easy and efficient it is to take BCT.
With convenient stops all around Broward, eventgoers can easily board a bus with $2 in cash, stop by one of the four transit centers, or simply download the Broward County Transit Mobile app, available in the Google Play and Apple App Store.
“Next stop is the Brazilian Music Festival, and after that, Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival,” Pollock cheerfully stated. “We’re committed to increasing our community engagement and look forward to engaging with even more residents!”
The Annual Brazilian Festival, which will take place on October 26, is estimated to draw nearly 20,000 Brazilian music and culture enthusiasts to Fort Lauderdale Chase Stadium. Eventgoers are encouraged to hop on route 55 and disembark at Commercial Blvd and NW 15 Ave to attend the festival.
The Grace Jamaican Festival is on Sunday, November 10, at Miramar Regional Park. Eventgoers can ride on route 28 to Miramar Parkway. Visit www.broward.org/BCT or call (954) 357-8400 for assistance planning your trip to these and other upcoming events.
