New program!
One of the most common reasons people give for not trying commute options is the fear of being stranded at work or unable to get home quickly in an emergency.
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Commuter Services in the Media
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Transit News
As of October 1, 2008
LeeTran plans to restructure fares to accommodate rising costs, discounts All-Day Pass purchases.
Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) offers new services/schedules along with summer youth passes until September 1, 2008. $10 buys a ticket to ride all summer. View Flyer.
Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) has first fare increase in 21 years. For more information click MCAT on the left hand column of the MCAT website, then click on M TALK Newsletter. |
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Newest Partners
Read more about our newest partners on our website.
DownTown Health Club
Lee County Port Authority
Lee County Health Department
Manatee Community College
Plymouth Harbor
Sarasota County Health Care System
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
TPC Prestancia |
| Lee County DOT Operations Describe Their Savings:
"I (Doraine Wetzel) and Jerry Cline started car pooling on January 21, 2008.
'At that time gas was $3.15 per gallon and was costing me an average of about $120.00 per month. Once we started the car pool that amount was cut in half.'
'February, I spent a total of $66.01. On April 14, 2008 Kathy Awiszus joined the car pool and Ehab Guirgus joined one week later. Gas prices had started to soar to $3.60 per gallon and in July they reached an all time high of $4.02 per gallon. '
'With 4 of us car pooling, in July I spent $48.99 for the month and in August it was $48.40. '
'Without my co-workers I would be spending close to $200.00 per month in gas, which is a $150.00 per month savings. '
'I am grateful to have some exceptional people in my car pool. We have grown very close during our half hour commute. The ride to and from work with them is much more enjoyable than driving alone. '
'Clay Simmons, DOT Operations Manager has been very supportive to us and, on occasion when emergencies have occurred, he made arrangements for us to get to our destinations."
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Commuter Services is a FREE program by the Florida Department of Transportation, serving travelers who live or work in the 12-county region of Southwest Florida.
- We work with businesses to help their employees find a better way to get to work rather than driving by themselves.
- We work with local governments and transportation partners to help build better communities that offer a wider range of transportation choices - like bicycling, walking and better accessibility for carpools, vanpools, or transit services.
- We provide employers with a turnkey solution, including program development, on-site events, marketing tools, and incentives.
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Sarasota Governments Working Together
Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota recently signed a  partnership with Commuter Services, and are working together to build their commuter program and help make Sarasota a better community.
They already offer free bus passes to employees and look forward to unveiling the Commuter Services program as a joint effort from both city and county governments. |
Judy Cain from Lee County Clerk of Courts tells us: "I just went into the database and changed my information so that instead of leaving from my house, I put in the day care I go to everyday, and I went from zero to 5 matches!"
Glenda Pullen from Broward County writes: "I'm taking transits every day. First I take the Tri-rail from Broward and then to Metrorail and then the bus. I ride transit everyday for $60.00 a month using all three transits. I was paying $300.00 a month in gas."
Lee Shuster, who teleworks for the Lee County Clerk of Courts, won a $25 BP gas card!
"I've never won anything in my life -- this is awesome!" |
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Transit Try-It
Plymouth Harbor's management team is practicing what they preach by trying out the Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) bus for their morning commute. Pictured here is Plymouth Harbor's Harry Hobson President/CEO and Tony Chin. Tony is a 'regular' rider of the SCAT bus system and has been for years. |
Tindale-Oliver & Associates Unveiling
MJ Montgomery, Christine Diaz, and Richard Dreyer at the Open House and Ribbon cutting for the new Tindale-Oliver & Associates, Inc. (TOA) Bartow, Florida office. TOA also has offices in Tampa and Orlando , and was recognized in June, 2008 as a Best Work Place for Commuters. TOA is a partner with the Commuter Services program in more than one way. While being a bronze partner, TOA is also working with the FDOT to help local government agencies provide better resources and facilities to help commuters. Incorporating items such as park and ride lots, transit facilities, and improved/direct services, in local projects will help commuters participating with Commuter Services. Lastly, MJ serves the Commuter Services management and outreach team with administrative support and servicing the EZRide program on the website. TOA is a planning and engineering firm specializing transportation engineering, planning, and safety; public transportation and parking planning and programs, and public financing. Additional information about TOA can be found at www.tindaleoliver.com, or by calling at 863.533-8454. |
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Polk County "Room to Breathe" Demonstration
Commuter Services staff participated in the "Room to Breath Demonstration" As part of the Polk County Transportation Planning Organization partnership.
A demonstration was  held in downtown Bartow showing the important role public transportation has in reducing road congestion and its effect on the environment. Commuter Services staff waited with anticipation as more than 40 cars were gridlock on West Church Street between Mill Street and Broadway. The demonstration showed the amount of congestion and space taken up by the single-driver cars. The cars were displayed in a parking lot, showing the amount of space used to park 40 cars. Commuter Services staff also got an opportunity to ride on the bus and promote alternative modes of travel.
The transit bus with the drivers of the cars was used in the same space on the road. The parking lot, full of cars demonstrated what a significant difference is made by the use of public transportation. | |
Emergency Ride Home Program
If you are registered as a carpool, vanpool, or transit participant in the Commuter Services database, you may be eligible for the Emergency Ride Home program.
Commuter Services will reimburse up to four rides per year via taxi or rental car; we'll even reimburse mileage for a co-worker who drives you home.
The program can only be used for personal and family emergencies or unscheduled overtime at the request of your supervisor. It is not intended for rides to work, scheduled appointments or planned overtime.
Please make sure your company is Partnered with Commuter Services and offering the Emergency Ride Home, before requesting use of the program.
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