Proud to provide safety for County passengers

Ivan Cotayo is the passenger transportation coordinator for the Department of Transportation and Public Works' (DTPW) Passenger Transportation Regulatory Division. He and his team are responsible for enforcing County ordinances regulating taxicabs, limousines, tour vans, special transportation service vehicles, for-hire chauffeurs, private school buses and other industry providers. 

Cotayo knows his job makes a difference in the community because it helps protect consumers from being taken advantage of by unlicensed transportation providers or chauffeurs. It also ensures that for-hire vehicles like taxis, limousines, private school buses and others follow the County's safety regulations.

"This is important work," Cotayo said. "Protecting the public in our County from unscrupulous people. That's why I love to come to work. I know our efforts make a difference in the community."
 
Throughout his 20-year career in the County, Cotayo has spearheaded many innovative programs, including the Taxi Stand Development Program, recognized by the National Association of Counties for enhancing passenger transportation services and safety. 

Among other responsibilities, he also trains police officers from the Miami-Dade Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, including the city of Miami and Miami Beach, on enforcement procedures related to vehicle-for-hire regulations and coordinates joint operations with those agencies targeting unlicensed transportation solicitors and providers in Miami-Dade County.  
    
Well-known in the for-hire transportation industry and highly regarded by his supervisors and colleagues, Cotayo often shares essential consumer protection tips from DTPW in front of the cameras. 

"Only some people knew of our unit's services when I started with the County. Looking back, I'm proud to see how far we've come, not only in community awareness, but also with providing an essential service for our residents and visitors," Cotayo said.

Passionate about helping people, it is not surprising to learn he has an incredible network of friends he loves entertaining. He has built a social group that loves to dance and uses his title as the King of Salsa from high school to host friends and family with good food and music.

"I'm passionate and dedicated both on and off the job because people matter the most to me," added Cotayo.