Are you ready to join the program? Call South Florida Commuter Services at 1-800-234-RIDE.

HISTORY

In 1998, the MPO created a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for funding; the South Florida Commuter Services (SFCS) for outreach and marketing; and, VPSI, Inc. for operation, to initiate the South Florida Vanpool Program (SFVP). Since then, Broward joined the program in July 2002, and Palm Beach joined the program in July 2004.

HOW IT WORKS

The program is based on a 30-day lease agreement which includes insurance with no deductible and both scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance, as well as a $400 subsidy per van per month.

One member of the group volunteers to be the primary driver of the vanpool and enters into a monthly agreement with the vanpool management company. The monthly agreement is a month to month contract and can be terminated at any time. The only requirement for such termination is a 30-day written notice of termination to the vanpool management company.

An individual can start a vanpool group or an employer can do it too!

BENEFITS

• Decreases commuting costs from 51¢ to 5¢ per mile, per passenger (according to AAA).
• Financial support with an exclusive subsidy of $400 per month to each SFVP vanpool group.
• Reduced auto insurance premiums by decreasing annual miles driven in your own vehicle.
• Less wear and tear to personal vehicle.
• Relieve stress by letting someone else drive, and increase productivity at work.
• Get the “Emergency Ride Home Program” if you miss your vanpool.
• Arrive and depart on time.
• Reduces parking cost and needs.
• Companies can provide a pre-tax contribution for the payment of the vanpool.
• Uses High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to and from work.
• Helps alleviate traffic and pollution.

Additionally, employers can also participate of the program by sharing the cost with the employees or just by promoting the program among their employees.

PARTICIPATION

According to your group size, the program offers you a selection of a 7-passenger mini-van or other larger passenger vans which can seat between 9 and 15 passengers.

The monthly cost includes:

• The commuter vehicle of your choice.
• A scheduled preventive maintenance coupon book to make vehicle servicing easy with… no out-of-pocket costs. SFVP pays for all scheduled and non-scheduled vehicle maintenance.
• Bumper to Bumper insurance with no deductible.
  Training and 24 hour service and support.
• Back up vehicles are available in case the primary van is unavailable due to accident, maintenance, or extensive repair.

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FACTS & FIGURES

Trips and miles and parking spaces

Gender of drivers

Vehicle size

NOTE: Above facts and figures are as of June 2009.

PROGRAM'S FUTURE

Urban Trans Consultants has been hired by FDOT to study the next steps for the program. The study is scheduled to start in June 2005. Completion date is expected for December 2005. The study will look at the following factors:

Where the program will reside?

• An evaluation between leasing and purchasing options
• Pros and cons for the users
• Operating, management and funding options

T.M.A.s

Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) are private, non-profit groups formed to facilitate private sector involvement in addressing transportation issues. TMA missions focus on policy leadership and advocacy. TMAs encourage transit, shared-ride commuting and variable work hours to mitigate traffic congestion.

This is accomplished through education and marketing, with technical support provided in cooperation with commute management organizations. Some TMAs operate shuttle services which connect work sites and transit stops. TMAs promote their service areas as readily accessible to potential tenants, clients, employees and surrounding communities.

• provide effective channels for dialogue on transportation improvements;
• save money through jointly-funded employee transportation services;
• assist employees with programs which improve commuting conditions; and
• ensure public sector programs and regulations better reflect business concerns.