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Commuter Stories
Florida's Natural Growers
Ricky Jefferies and Gene Everett from Florida's Natural Growers have been carpooling for over 9 months now and love it! "Commuter Services is a great program and really does provide a lot of benefits for their commuters," says Ricky.
"I'm saving money, saving the environment and going green! We need to lead by example and set-up standards for our kids. I feel like were making a difference."
Gene: "I use to drive everyday and put major wear and tear on my car. Now, I share the commute with Ricky and take turns driving to and from work. Carpooling has really worked for us! We appreciate Commuter Services coming to our work and helping our employees. We hope that more employees start thinking about carpooling."
Collier County
Teri Wides from Collier County shares her carpooling experience:
"It's just fun! There's always a good laugh, and great camaraderie."
"Right now there are four of us riding together, and we switch drivers every day. Except for today, five of us rode in together, so the person with the mini van had to drive two days in a row. It's silly not to ride in together. Phil G. lives on the street behind us, and Amia is so close, too. Plus we're saving money on gas!"
Winning Commuters!
City of Naples Survey:
Vicki Smith - $25 gas card
Comcast Earth Day Pledging: Kristi Flint - Sunpass Mini,
Katie McAlister - $25 gas card
Dept. of Environmental Protection :
Mary Grace Allen (pictured above) - $25 gas card,
Scott Hill - Car Wash,
Heidi Lange - Lunch for Two
Florida's Natural Growers Health Fair: Vicky Alley (pictured left)- $25 gas card
Keiser University, Polk County: Ryan Reis (below), Director of Student Services, Accepts $25 gas card on student's behalf.
Lee Co. Clerk of Courts Try-it Week/Earth Day: Allen Klesh -Sunpass Mini, Kelly Demello - $35 Monthly Bus Pass, Claudia Graham - Lunch for Two, Judy Marcucci - Car Wash
Lee Co. School District Health Fair: Lisa Nicia - $25 gas card
LeeTran Lunch and Learn: Robert Southall (pictured above) - $25 Gas Card
Polk Community College Earth Day: Melvin Thompson (below) Accepting on Student's behalf - $25 gas card.
Sarasota County Health Dept. Earth day: Dianne Shipley
Twentieth Judicial Circuit (Lee Co.) Earth Day: Joanne Siracusa - Lunch for Two
University of South Polytechnic Earth Day: Susan Langley - $25 Gas Card
Transit News |
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Happy Birthday SCAT!
In celebration of its 30th birthday, SCAT let everyone ride FREE on April 9th!
The birthday celebration included a speech from Sarasota County Commissioner Vice Chair Joseph Barbetta, and Richard Shine, FDOT District One Modal Development Administrator. An award was given to George Kuyper, SCAT Operations Manager.
Following the anniversary celebration, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new SCAT Mobility Center. Pictured above are Jan Parham, FDOT District One Modal Development Project Manager, Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason, Sarasota County Commissioner Vice Chair Joseph Barbetta, SCAT General Manager Anthony Beckford, and Richard Dreyer, Tindale-Oliver and Associates.
SCAT Summer Youth Passes are on sale now!
Just $10 buys your ticket to ride all summer long! June 1- Aug. 31, 2009. View Flyer
LeeTran Schedule Changes for Route 50 and Beach Trolley
CAT (Collier Area Transit)
Effective March 1, 2009 Collier Area Transit has implemented fare increases, introduced a weekly pass and changed several routes. For more information click here.
MCAT Getting Ready to Roll-Out New Hybrid Buses
For years, MCAT, and mass transit systems across the country, have operated almost exclusively with diesel-operated vehicles. But a greener day has arrived.
At the direction of the Manatee County Commission and Gov. Charlie Crist, MCAT recently used federal and state grant money to purchase three new hybrid diesel electric buses. They are scheduled to hit the streets in April.
The new vehicles have diesel engines and electric motors that make the buses much quieter, and allow for smoother rides. The new hybrids allow MCAT to save on fuel and maintenance, says MCAT Manager Ralf Heseler. For more updates, visit MCAT online, click M TALK Newsletter.
W.H.A.T. Turns 10!
Winter Haven Area Transit riders were treated to reduced fares, refreshments, free bus passes and other gifts throughout the day.
County Commissioner Jean Reed (below) gives her speech at the 10th Anniversary event about the bright future of Public Transportation in Polk County.  The highlight of the event was a time capsule dedication ceremony where historical items, accumulated from the last decade, were placed into the ground -- Commuter Services even added a few pieces of memorabilia! The capsule will be opened March 2034.
Jan Parham of the Florida Department of Transportation, District One holds her commemorative bus stop sign at the 10th Anniversary of WHAT.
Emergency Ride Home Program
The following Employers currently offer the Emergency Ride Home. For onsite contact information, please call 1.866.585.RIDE.
Chico's FAS
Citrus Connection
City of Bartow
City of Naples
City of Sarasota
Collier County
Comcast
Department of Environmental Protection, South District
Doctor's Hospital of Sarasota
Eaton Aerospace
FCCI Insurance Group
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida's Natural Growers
Florida Southern College
GC Services
Gevity
Keiser University, Lakeland
Lee County BOCC
Lee County Clerk of Courts
Lee County DOT (Operations)
Lee County Port Authority
Lee County School District
LeeTran
Marriott Vacation Club
Manatee Community College
The Nielsen Company
Pierce Manufacturing
Plymouth Harbor
Polk Community College
Polk County BOCC
Polk County Property Appraiser
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Sarasota County
SCAT
Tervis Tumbler
Tropicana
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Florida Panther National Wildelife Refuge
USF Polytechnic
Winter Haven Hospital |
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Commuter Events
May 21, 2009 Proclaimed Polk County Commuter Services Day
The Polk Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 21st as "Polk County Commuter Services Day", and has taken a leading role to set an example within the community to educate and promote carpooling, vanpooling, use of public transportation and biking to work, to keep people from commuting alone.
Dave Walters from Polk County Transit Services writes, "We hope this will make employees of all organizations conscious of helping the environment while saving money on fuel and vehicle expenses."
Special edition newsletter featuring the event coming soon. View Proclamation
2009 National Dump the Pump Day
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The day is designed to encourage people to get out of their cars and ride public transportation to raise awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of public transportation.
Public transportation has the ability to save people money, conserve gasoline, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted into our environment.
On June 18th, public transit agencies will join together to encourage their communities to 'dump the pump' by leaving their cars at home and riding public transportation.
Commuter Services Celebrates Earth Day!
During a weeklong celebration of Earth Day, Commuter Services challenged travelers to
"Make the Pledge" to use an alternative to their daily commute or lunch time travel.
Over 200 people made commitments to carpool, take the bus, bike or walk to work, and many others registered with the Commuter Services program in efforts to "Go Green" and reduce their carbon footprint.
Going Green: PCC and USFP
Polk Community College and the
University of South Florida Polytechnic joined their green efforts by hosting an Earth Day celebration with Commuter Services.
Students dressed as Crash Test Dummies with a Hybrid Vehicle
PCC and USFP unveiled their campus-wide recycling programs, in addition to other green and clean energy activities, including: the campus recycling "Green Club," and biking and walking promotion with Friends of the Park and Polk Area Bicycle Association.
PCC's Green Club President, Alex Picard with Club Member and FDOT's Roxanne Lake for Commuter Services
Commuter Services, 511, Citrus Connection, Polk Transit, W.H.A.T., and the
Florida Department of Transportation's
Bicycle Pedestrian, Safety Department and the Crash Test Dummies also
Don Olsen from 511 Traffic Info shares information on this FREE service by FDOT.
participated in the event - giving away Freebies, like: bicycle helmets, bus passes, and information on commute alternatives, traffic and safety.
FDOT's Jan Parham, second from left, with Eileen Holden, PCC President and staff.
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Lee County Commuters Pledge to Try a New Commute!
During the week of March 23-27, "Commuter Choice Week," drive alone travelers pledged to try an alternative to their daily commute or midday travel. Commuter Services teamed up with LeeTran, VPSI (vanpool company), and the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) to educate travelers on commute alternatives by using a hands-on approach.
Commuter Services and LeeTran staff talk about commute altnertaives with Downtown commuters
A travel mode demonstration was held downtown Ft. Myers during lunch time to encourage the downtown workforce and passersby to "go green" by using commute alternatives to reduce carbon emissions, save money on travel and parking expenses, and to reduce vehicle dependence by learning how to use other modes of travel, even occasionally.
LeeTran parked a 21 passenger bus to give curious commuters a chance to learn boarding guidelines, how to use the fare box, buy or validate passes, and use the front load bicycle racks.
Many commuters disembarking the bus expressed surprise at how nice the busses are. Vistors commented on the roomy seating arrangements, security cameras, and large tinted windows
Joann Haley from LeeTran shares schedule and route information
VPSI parked a commuter van to show interested commuters van features, like new seating layouts that include captain's chairs, individual A/C vents, reading lights, and large windows. Commuters traveling long distances liked the idea of relaxing in the back, while paying less on travel than they do driving alone.
The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) discussed safety and rules of the road with current cyclists, and distributed bicycle suitability maps to interested riders. Potential riders were excited to meet a proactive group of cyclists in the area, and felt more comfortable trying biking to work after learning alternative routes that suit cycling through town.
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Biking News
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May is National Bike Month
The month of May is promoted nationally as National Bike Month by the League of American Bicyclist's however many cities throughout Florida choose to observe Bike Month earlier due to Florida's warm weather. Governor Charlie Crist has proclaimed March as Florida Bike Month. View Proclamation.
To learn more about National Bike Month Events, visit the Leaque of American Bicyclist's website to learn about cycling in your area, or view this step-by-step guide to get involved in National Bike Month.
Think biking isn't right for you?
Think again! Pictured right is Allan Richards, Age 71, finishers medal in hand, at the end of a bikeMS 150 mile two-day ride.
Allan says "Cycling is without a doubt one of the most beneficial forms of transportation, not only for the rider, but also for our earth and Green efforts. Age is not a factor. Nor does everyone need to be a good long distance rider. Any time spent on a bicycle is time not spent in front of a TV. And it is gentle on the knees. But always be safe. Here in Polk County we have several fine trails to ride. Please, join me as we get out and use, but not abuse them. Be sure you have a proper fitting bicycle, your doctor's okay if you need it, and a good helmet, just in case. And as the credit card company says, 'Never leave home without it!' "
Sarasota Shares the Road
The Alliance for Responsible Transportation (A.R.T.)recently celebrated their bike suitability map release. A.R.T. successfully created a bike map for Sarasota County, that will guide bikers safely through Sarasota. The map features bike facilities, routes, trails, roads to avoid, sidewalk connectors and more. Visit: www.bikewalklive.org to learn more about A.R.T.
Congratulations to the City of Punta Gorda (Charlotte County) for Winning Honorable Mention!
Twice each year, the League of American Bicyclists awards Bicycle Friendly Community designations to cities that have demonstrated significant work to create exemplary conditions for bicycling.  By recognizing role-model communities, the BFC program motivates other cities throughout the country to improve their bicycle facilities. The spirit of competition among city mayors inspires action nationwide and makes our cities and towns better for bicycling. View Press Release.
The City of Punta continues to take on (and complete!) their initiatives to make their community bike friendly, with many thanks to Team Punta Gorda and Spokes and Trails.
New Bicycle Rodeo/Training Trailers
CONGRATULATIONS! Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Charlotte, Collier and Hendry Counties are all proud owners of a Bicycle Rodeo/Training Trailer. Each trailer comes completely equipped with 30 bicycles, obstacles and everything that is needed to hold a successful bicycle training/rodeo, except volunteers.
Sarita Taylor, Florida Department of Transportation, District One Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator,has purchased these trailers through the Safe Routes to Schools Program for several counties in District One. The trailer is equipped with all the necessary equipment to put on a full-fledged bike rodeo. There are 30 bikes, signs, mock vehicles, bike safety books, and just about anything else you can think of.
These bike trailers are for the education of cyclist of all ages and can be loaned to other agencies who meet the criteria. Please take advantage of this tool, as it has come to you through the caring commitments of Sarita, as she strives to keep biking communities as safe as possible.
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