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In This Issue
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Transit News
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New Partners
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Top Ten Reasons to...
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Recent Webinar
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Commuter Rail Survey
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Teleworking on the Rise...
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TDM Workshop
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| Join Our List |
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| Transit News |
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CAT
Collier Area Transit is currently working to improve transit routes and public announcement services. Check back soon for updates!
For Dial-a-Ride, call Transit Services - 941.575.4000, option #1. For Sunshine Ride, option #2
WI-FI Connection Available on Citrus Connection Public Transit Buses! Read more.
LeeTran recently unveiled their first hybrid bus at FGCU! The cost of an All-Day Pass increased to $3.00 effective October 1, 2009.
Manatee County Area Transit officials recently hosted a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the bus terminal and transfer station at DeSoto Center. MCAT is set to take ownership of the Palmetto Station, and bike racks are being built next to all of the shelters. More shelters are to be installed throughout the county before the end of the year.
Polk County will be hosting its second Transportation Summit "Public Transportation in Livable Communities" in February 2010.
SCAT plans bus route changes in south and north county this fall, including schedule revisions, frequency improvements and major route changes that will significantly improve frequency and connection options for many SCAT riders in the Venice area and in Englewood. SCAT will discontinue several routes and replace most of the current service with planned route improvements. Read More.
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| NEW! Park and Ride |
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Lakeland's First Park & Ride Now Open
The first Park & Ride facility operated by the Citrus Connection opened for business July 7th. The location of the Park & Ride is under the Rt. 98 overpass at the corner of Main and Rose Streets. |
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New Partners! |
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Boar's Head Provisions Company
City of Lakeland
City of Mulberry
Florida Southern College
Glades County Economic Development Council
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida
Green Coaches of SWFL
Green Hibiscus Transportation Company
Haines City Economic Development Council
Hilton Marco Island
Hodges University - Ft. Myers
Integrated Supply Network
J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge
Keiser University - Sarasota
LYNX Services
Naples Pathway Coalition
New College of Florida
Pall Corporation
Pines of Sarasota
Small Business Development Center
South Seas Island Resort
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce |
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| Newly Registered? |
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Tips for Getting Started:
- View your matchlist online, or Call Commuter Services to have one sent to you.
- Look for a group of friends and co-workers who have a similar work schedule. Plan ahead and be willing to compromise!
- Make arrangements to meet potential rideshare partners ahead of time to map out all the details.
- Be open-minded but establish some ground rules. Set a communication chain and determine how costs will be shared. Have a clean car policy and maximum wait time.
- Do something fun! Bring donuts once in a while or meet for lunch. Ridesharing can be a great way to meet people and establish friendships.
- Check out our Carpool Checklist
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| Top Ten Reasons to Rideshare |
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You can text and send emails (as long as you're not the driver!)
You save a lot of money. Riding with one other person cuts your costs in HALF.
Catch up on reading (a novel, magazine - even proofread!)
Take back your morning - snooze in the car, apply makeup, enjoy your coffee.
You can breathe easy, literally. Did you know that leaving your car home just two days a week can reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds a year?
Less is more. Fewer cars on the road, mean less traffic. Riding instead of driving mean less stress.
It's Fun! Driving alone gets repetitive!
New Friends. Go ahead, you deserve it.
Fewer heart attacks. Studies show that participating in a carpool lowers your stress levels and blood pressure.
It's easy! Call Commuter Services to get your new matchlist today.
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| Top Ten Reasons to Bike or Walk |
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Ask the Experts..."Bike commuting is an ideal solution to the need for moderate physical activity, which can be practiced five times a week. ."
Biking is fun! Go for a ride and see for yourself - just like when you were a kid.
See nature, enjoy scenery. Go for a nature walk around your neighborhood - something is always blooming in south Florida.
It's cheap! Cost of gas=$0, No auto loan payments, no fuel fees, no insurance premiums, reduced road rage incidents and improvement of personal health. And remember, you don't have to run out and buy the latest and greatest bike - check local thrift shops, or superstores!
Get fit - a workout is secretly hidden in your bike/walk commute. According to the League of American Bicyclists, "recreational bike riding is a safe, low-impact, aerobic activity for Americans of all ages."
Ward off H1N1 - aerobic exercise activates your immune system.
Lose the blues - aerobic exercise can ease the gloominess of depression, help you relax and reduce stress associated with anxiety.
You don't have to do it everyday! Start slow - take the stairs, or ride your bike to the corner store.
Bring back snack time. Biking gives food labels a whole new meaning. "A 130-pound cyclist burns 402 calories while pedaling 14 miles in an hour. A 180-pound cyclist burns 540 calories while pedaling 14 miles in an hour." - League of American Bicyclists
It's good for you! It's an excuse to get off the couch, good substitute for caffeine, and exercise after a long day sitting at a desk
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Get Assurance: Commuters Don't have to Worry with the Emergency Ride Home 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. The Emergency Ride Home program takes the fear out of leaving your car at home.
Unscheduled overtime?
Sick child?
Carpool partner working late or leaving early?
The solution to all of these questions and more is the Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program provided by Commuter Services.
ERH FAQ's
Am I Eligible?
If you are registered with Commuter Services as a carpool, vanpool, transit, bike or walk participant (not for drive along commuters), and your employer is offering the program at your worksite, you are eligible for the Emergency Ride Home program.
4 Free Rides?
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.
What Qualifies as an Emergency? The ERH program can only be used for personal and family emergencies of you or the driver of your carpool/vanpool, or unscheduled overtime at the request of your supervisor. It is not intended for rides to work, scheduled appointments or planned overtime. To be sure your employer is offering the Emergency Ride Home program, call: 1.866.585.RIDE or view list online
Get Assured!
2. Regularly use a commute alternative: carpool, vanpool, transit, bike, or walk.
3. Be sure your employer is currently offering the program at your worksite, then obtain contact information for your ERH onsite coordinator.
In the Event of a Qualified Emergency:
1. Notify your onsite ERH coordinator, who will verify your eligibility and can help you find a ride.
2. Contact other members of your carpool/vanpool so they aren't waiting on you!
3. Obtain a receipt from the cab or rental car company, or record a co-worker's mileage.
4. Contact your onsite ERH coordinator again, upon returning to work, to complete the Trip Summary form and submit the original receipt. A reimbursement will be mailed directly to you.
Where Can You Go?
Every emergency is different, and you may need to reach a different destination during each unexpected situation. The ERH Program offers flexibility to people who experience a qualified emergency, allowing you to choose from a variety of destinations that serve your unique needs, including:
To your vehicle (if you are parked at a Park & Ride lot or transit station)
To your child's day care or school
To medical facilities
Interim stops will also be accepted if they are part of the emergency.
Questions?
If you are unsure if your specific situation qualifies, want to know if your employer is offering the program, or need to contact your onsite ERH coordinator, just call 1.866.585.RIDE! | |
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| Issue: Winter Newsletter |
December/2009 |
| Season's Greetings! |
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"Season's Greetings from all of us at Commuter Services!"
We've had a great year, and are excited to get next year off to a  running start! With nearly 7,400 registered commuters with the program, and over 100 participating employers we're gearing up for a year full of fun activities, including Try-It Days, Meet Your Match Events, County-Wide Kick Offs, Preferred Parking Programs, and more! 
Also, remember that the AAA Tow to Go Service is FREE through January 2, 2010!
Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). Available to AAA members and non-members. 100% confidential.
Have a safe and happy holiday season, from all of us at Commuter Services!
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What's New?
Commuter Services Ambassadors!
 In an effort to broaden our roles throughout southwest Florida, Commuter Services is working with elected officials from several counties in the area to secure County Ambassadorships.
As Commuter Services Ambassadors, each county or city representative can lend a hand in ensuring that Commuter Services will customize various programs that suit commuters in their respective areas. Some Ambassadors have already gone above and beyond to listen to the needs in their community, by participating in local and regional events and making area transportation needs a priority.
This is great news for Commuter Services program participants, because you can have a first hand experience in helping to build your community better, that offers a wider range of transportation options to alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make it easier for everyone to get around.
A Special Edition Newsletter, featuring important information from each Commuter Services Ambassador, will be released in the New Year. Please keep an eye on your inbox!
Ambassadors as pictured from the top: Polk County Ambassador, Commissioner Jean Reed; Collier County Ambassador, Commissioner Fred Coyle; Lee County Ambassador, Commissioner Ray Judah; Sarasota County Ambassador, Commissioner Joe Barbetta; and Manatee County Ambassador, City of Bradenton Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey.
Cities Working to Build Better Communities
Commuter Services is working with local governments and transportation partners to help build better communities that offer a wider range of transportation choices - like bicycling and walking, and better accessibility for carpools, vanpools, or transit services. Check out what the City of Lakeland and the City of Naples are doing!
Keiser University and the City of Lakeland - Concurrency Determination
 This is a requirement by the City of Lakeland in reference to Keiser's current expansion of facilities and the impact it will have on congestion in the area.
The determination requires installation of a bus shelter and continued participation in the FDOT's Commuter Services program, including marketing of the program to new and existing students and dedication of preferred parking spaces to registered carpool program participants.
This type of local government leadership benefits the community because it supports green initiatives, and reduces noise and air pollution in the surrounding area. It also offers Keiser's commuters additional transportation options and incentives to use alternatives rather than driving alone. Congratulations to the City of Lakeland and Keiser College for valuing transportation demand management strategies and taking the lead in Polk County.
Collier County and the City of Naples - Energy Savings Plans
These plans are aimed at reducing the County and City's greenhouse gas emissions and reducing energy usage. 
The County and City are currently working with Commuter Services to adopt strategies that will reduce the number of employee vehicles traveling to worksites.
By participating in the Commuter Services program, County and City employees can utilize free ridematching services to find a carpool/vanpool, benefit from onsite outreach to understand and try local transit routes, bicycle suitability routes, and other trip reduction strategies.
The County and City also plan to implement anti-idling policies and consider 4 day workweeks, in addition to their green initiatives: installing water conservation, climate control and lighting control devices, HVAC upgrades and office/facility consolidation.
Congratulations to Collier County and the City of Naples for leading the way in greenhouse gas reduction and energy saving strategies.
Lee County Adopts Complete Streets Resolution
Lee County Commissioners unanimously approved a complete streets resolution from Lee County's Smart Growth Committee Complete  Streets Resolution, to promote alternative modes of transportation in the county, citing not only the safety imperative, but also the need for active living and reduced emissions. Commissioner Brian Bigelow was moved by testimony from community members, including one who was hit by a car while bicycling. "She is a victim of what's really wrong with the way we've been kind of singularly focused on accommodating automobiles in our county. It's been quite literally to the exclusion of other alternative modes of transportation."
 Pedestrian, biker and public transit user safety will be considered in the planning and design of current and future Lee County roads. Commissioners also placed emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, promoting exercise and healthy lifestyles and ensuring the safety of those who walk or bike along the county roadways. To read more, please visit BikeWalkLee, National Complete Streets Coalition, Naples News, or the Lee BOCC Meeting Agenda.
Commuter Club and Trip Tracking Program
Okay, so you are an active carpooler, bus rider, vanpool participant, bicycle commuter or you walk to work. Or perhaps your organization has taking an active role in adopting green initiatives. Maybe you telework, or only drive to the office four days per week. Life is going good; you are saving money, and don't have the daily stresses of sitting in traffic.
Could things possibly get any better???
Yes! Coming soon is the Commuter Services' Commuter Club and Trip Tracking program. Expected to launch in early 2010, the Commuter Club/Trip Tracking Program are great incentives for companies to collect total cost savings, total vehicle emission reduction, and trip reduction statistics. Commuters participate by logging their weekly commute when choosing an alternative mode of travel, while local businesses can participate in the program to promote more business! If your organization is interested in more information about the Commuter Club and Trip Tracking Program, please reply to this email with your comments or call 1.866.585.RIDE (7433).
We're more than just a database. We're people, here to help you find commute options that will save you time and money.
Did you know...According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spend about 100 hours per year commuting - that is two and a half workweeks!
Think that's shocking...Nielsen reported in August 2009, "Facebook had the most time per user spent on the site among the top Web brands with an average of 5 hours 46 minutes 4 seconds."
So while you are on there, add us as a friend or become a fan of our page. Leave us a comment about your commute, post photos, ask questions or meet neighboring commuters. We are your one stop shop for commute options and alternative transportation resources in Southwest Florida. Get on your way to a new commute, and free up more time for you.
Add us as a friend/become a fan and tell us your story! |
| Commuter Stories |
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"Helping commuters get on their way to a new commute!"
A few words from some of our commuters...
After calling about an Emergency Ride Home one evening, John West from Sarasota County tells us that he felt lucky to have found a carpool partner through Commuter Services. He writes... "My [commute] is a unique situation since it's so far (almost 40 miles) and the 4 10-hour days are both helpful and hurtful in some ways. With the 4/10's, it's impossible to get anything done after hours with the commute time. Before I found a carpooler, I was commuting about 250 miles a week. My '05 Prius has almost 100K miles."
John Nwaneri from Polk County called Commuter Services after he was having trouble getting back and forth to school. With the help of Commuter Services staff, John received some transit passes and a list of people who he could carpool with. John was also happy to hear about the ERH. |
| COMMUTER SERVICES LIVE INTERACTIVE WEBINAR! |
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"WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!"
Commuter Services First-Ever District-Wide Interactive Webinar - Thank You!
With a service area spanning across 12 counties, Commuter Services had its very first interactive Webinar to bring commuters, transportation representatives, and local County officials together at one forum.
The online webinar included commuters both near and far, who were able to speak with representatives from the community, transit officials, elected officials, and Commuter Services staff.
Polk County Commissioner Jean Reed even made a live appearance on camera to speak to her constituents, and spread her transportation vision for the county.
We had a very active chat session with commuters who logged on and posted comments about their daily travels, bicycle commutes, and even questions about various services. We appreciate the participation from everyone that logged on, and for bearing with us as we sorted through some technical difficulties!
Although we didn't have enough time to address all of your questions and comments, we can set our sights on another webinar!
Excerpts from the live chat...
Marianne Barnebey: On Kick Off Events "We will be scheduling similiar events in Manatee and Sarasota Counties this spring."
Elizabeth: "It's nice to see that the elected officials are so supportive of this. It seems like a "take action" kind of effort, rather than just the endless "talking about doing something" that we sometimes see in government!!!"
Aubrey Phillips: "Just a thought - I know that convenience is an often cited reason for avoiding transit but using a bike-bus option you can get in your workout during your commute - multi-tasking!"
Dan Moser: "For commuters who live within 10-miles of their workplace, cycling should be a viable option, especially considering our flat terrain. Along with governments improving conditions for non-motorists, employers can encourage cycling by providing enhanced bike parking (secure and covered) and even having showers available. Adding incentives for not taking up a parking space is another way to encourage it."
Jim Smith: "I work at Comcast and the free Bus Passes and Meet your Match were very helpful. I just moved here from up north and this is a great program. When will they be back ?"
Janet Sanchez: "I used 511 after I learned about it at a company roll out and it was like onstar ... only free!!! How can we get preferred parking signs at our company?"
Joann Haley: "LeeTran doesn't have kiosks, but we have partnered with Publix to sell our passes throughout Lee County."
If you would like to provide additional feedback or suggestions for a future webinar, just reply to this email with your comments!
Commuter Services Team, left to right: Lauren Lane, Outreach Coordinator; Russell McDermott, Outreach Coordinator; Christine Diaz, Program Director; Mary Jane Montgomery, Customer Support; and Jan Parham, Project Manager.
We would like to give special thanks to all of our panelists: Joann Haley from LeeTran, Gwen Johnson, Paul Simmons, Dave Walters, Sunit Dowudon, and Heather McElwee from Polk County Transit, Rebecca Bartlet and Dave Bailey from SCAT (Sarasota Transit), Anthony Beckford from SCAT (Sarasota Tansit), Michelle Arnold from CAT (Collier Transit), Mike Wacht 511 Traffic Info and Dan Moser from the Florida Bicycle Association. A very special thanks to Bradenton City Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey for her active participation and enthusiastic ideas, Polk County Commissioner Jean Reed for joining us LIVE on the set, and Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta, Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, and Collier County Commissioner Fred Coyle for all your support and for providing a statement to your respective counties. Many, many thanks goes out to Joan Davies, Nate Graham, and all the staff at PGTV! |
| Meet Daniel Weaver! |
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Daniel Weaver is the newest member of Commuter Services team of outreach coordinators, and will be servicing Sarasota, Manatee and neighboring counties. Dan has experience working with the Clean Air Campaign in Atlanta, and is excited to share his knowledge about air quality, green initiatives and transportation options in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Keep an eye out for Daniel Weaver; he'll be visiting you soon!
Daniel can be reached at Daniel@CommuterServicesFL.com or 1.866.585.RIDE (7433). |
| Commuter Rail Survey |
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"e-ALERT!"
The 12 question survey will only take a few minutes...
The Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) congratulates  the Florida Legislature for meeting in special session and successfully passing a commuter rail bill. Now that public transit is a red hot issue, the FPTA wants to know what you think about the role of public transportation in planning Florida's future.
Through December, FPTA is conducting an online survey of elected officials, business leaders, commuters, riders, transportation professionals and of all interested Floridians. The survey is 12 questions and will only take a few minutes to complete.
Quick Survey on Florida's Future and Transit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BSWXKRH
For more information about this effort or survey, please contact Denis Eirikis, ClearLight Communications, at Eirikis@clearlightpr.com |
| Teleworking on the Rise |
"By 2015, there will be more people working electronically at home full time than taking mass transit." - Joel Kotkin, Newsweek 10/19/09 |
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"The number of Americans who worked from home or remotely at least one day per month increased from 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008, according to a new survey from WorldatWork, an HR trade organization. The rise in the number of telecommuters represents a two-year increase of 39%, and an increase of 74% since 2005.
The main reasons for this increase include the proliferation of high-speed and wireless Internet access, rising fuel and commuting costs, and the trend by employers to embrace work-life balance concepts, WorldatWork reports. The federal government, several states and county governments have created policies to mandate or encourage telecommuting."
Read Full Article from Employee Benefit News. |
| Polk County TDM Workshop and Try-It Day |
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"Join Us!"
You are cordially invited...
Representatives from industries ranging from education to global 500 companies attended the Commuter Services Transportation Demand Management (TDM) workshop in a proactive move to help their community and employees.
To set the tone for the workshop, participants were encouraged to join us in a "Try-It" day, by choosing an alternative mode of travel to the workshop. Some chose to take the bus, while others hopped in a  carpool, or walked if they were nearby. Bus and shuttle service were avaialble, courtesy of Polk Transit.
At the workshop, Commuter Services encouraged attendees to take the lead at their organization by joining other partners in Polk County to help build better communities that offer a wider range of transportation choices. Attendees learned innovative strategies to market and develop TDM programs that will reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, and provide viable options to drive alone travel.
 Following the presentation, participants had a networking opportunity to set goals with local planners, partners, policymakers, and elected officials -- to get moving in Polk County!
For more information on TDM strategies, planning a workshop or how Commuter Services can help your organization implement TDM, just send us an email or call 1.866.585.RIDE (7433). |
| Events: Overview |
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"Find a Better Way to Work with Commuter Services!"
Commuter Services Events
Learn about new ways to commute by engaging in a conversation with your Commuter Services outreach coordinator when we're in your area. Check out our Current Events calendar for local activities.
By meeting you at your workplace, we can teach you and your co-workers about the available alternatives to driving solo.
 Worksite events enable you to receive tailored information that meets your individual travel needs. The result? Less stress from traffic, more money saved- and you'll have fun doing it!
Commuter Services provides a variety of on site activities, including: outdoor activities, kick off events, transportation tables at health and wellness fairs, lunch and learns and stay in for lunch days, "Meet your Match" events, presentations, mini workshops, and more!
Want to schedule an event at your location? We'll be happy to help! Call Commuter Services at 1.866.585.RIDE or email outreach@CommuterServicesFL.com, and an outreach coordinator will help you plan, market and host your own event! | |
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About Us
Commuter Services is a FREE program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation, serving travelers in the 12 county region of Southwest Florida, also known as District One.
Serving the counties of: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota
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