The Tampa Bay area is seeing a lot of growth these days. In popularity, in housing prices and in commute times. This, along with soaring gas prices, is leading many in the area to turn to vanpooling. Vanpooling in Tampa Bay decreased a lot during the Covid-19 Pandemic. But current economic factors are causing many to reconsider how they travel to work. Learn more about how Tampa and St. Pete have options for people looking to ride share to work and back.
Vanpooling in Tampa Bay
The COVID-19 pandemic nearly killed this area’s vanpool service. But a wane in infections, soaring gas prices and higher fees for parking have re-ignited this commuter alternative. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, or TBARTA, already has 180 vans hauling commuters to work. They expect to add 50 more over the next year.
There is also a carpooling service, where people can go on the Commute Tampa Bay website and arrange a ride. However, it’s difficult to track numbers on this app since most who use it do not track their trips online for TBARTA officials to view.
TBARTA coordinates its vanpool program with Commute with Enterprise. This is a subsidiary of Enterprise Car Rentals, so it is easier to track its growth, said Ken Boden, manager of commuter services. “The vanpool program is subsidized. It is considered a form of transit. We are able to support vans by giving $400 a month to keep each one on the road. Our goal is to grow that by 50 vans over the next fiscal year. We are currently at 180,” he said.
“Since the pandemic started to wane in March, we have gone from 150 to 180. The carpooling program, it’s a little bit harder to track. Our vanpool program is basically working with employers, but it is open to the public. People create an account, and we try to make it so they will record what they are doing by offering discount coupons, cash card giveaways. We give away $100 in gift cards each month so people will record their trips,” but they still do not always follow through, Boden said.
“It is really very much like a carpool,” Boden said. “We have one organizer, who is typically the driver. We try to get participants certified to drive the van and conduct a simple check of their driving record.” The vans, which can hold four to 15 people, either get parked at a store such as Walmart where everyone can meet. Some even station the vans at park and ride lots. “We help them set that up.”
Many of those who use the vanpools work for federal offices. However, TBARTA has been reaching out to those in the hospitality industry, such as hotels, to help them get and retain employees who need transportation, Boden said. For them, it is a sure way to get to work each day and in a timely manner.
Trolley service in St. Pete
On St. Pete Beach, the city offers a door-to-door trolley service called the Freebie Shuttle between 75th Avenue and Pass-a-Grill. The vehicles are 100% electric, emission-free and cater to all ages. Riders must secure smaller children and infants in federally approved car seats provided by their parents or caregivers.
The City of St. Pete Beach compensates Freebie drivers. Therefore they do not accept gratuities, much like the free rides available in downtown Tampa.
“Downtown is Tampa Bay’s central transportation hub with several options available throughout the week and weekend,” according to the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Think outside of the car! Get to your destination quickly via HART’s new streamlined bus network, TECO Line Streetcar, bike path routes, complete sidewalk network, water taxi, taxi, e-scooter, and/or rideshare (Uber/Lyft).” The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, or HART, also offers streamlined bus service.
Using apps to carpool
And there is also the smartphone app — rethink Your Commute, which can help connect people with rides. It simply requires those interested to sign up for the service, much like TBARTA’s carpool connector. reThink is offered through the Florida Department of Transportation or FDOT. “Use our trip planner to find rides for your daily commute or even your favorite sporting event. Don’t want to drive? No problem! Our trip planner will also show you transit, biking, and walking directions.”
“We can make sure you have a ride,” TBARTA’s Boden said. “COVID almost made our vanpool program disappear, but FDOT stepped in to help us. And with the price of gas, we are really seeing an explosion now, which is why we are looking at adding 50 more vans.”
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