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The purpose of the TIS Update is to inform, update, and educate members of the University North
Transportation Initiative and the public on local mobility issues,
projects and developments.
I-275/I-4
Construction Information & Travel Tips
Now Available to Commuters
Many of us in the New North area will at some point travel along
I-275 through Downtown Tampa, whether for businesses errands, for
the commute to and from work, or for personal trips. With the
current construction at the I-4/I-275 interchange, and more looming
ahead, information about lane closures, traffic accidents, and
travel delay will be an important part of travel plans.
The Florida Department of Transportation has launched a website, MyTBI.com
that helps travelers plan ahead by providing free
information about construction and traffic on Tampa's Interstates.
By signing up with MyTBI.com,
travelers will receive email updates of current delays or scheduled
lane closures on interstate highways throughout the Tampa Bay Area.
If you are a traveler who is only concerned about lane closures
and delays in the immediate New North area, subscribe to the New
North Transportation Alliance listserv (at www.newnorthalliance.org)
to receive only those TBI updates that involve activities in the
immediate New North area.
Streetcar
Alleviates Traffic During Gasparilla
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At February's Gasparilla festivities, the TECO
Line Streetcar system transported thousands of revelers along
parade routes, and between Downtown, Ybor City, and
Channelside. The Streetcar proved effective for this type of
special event, which attracted throngs of people and caused
bi-directional traffic jams between Downtown and Ybor City.
The Streetcar is also a popular means of transportation for
those who travel downtown for Lightning Games, to events at
the St. Pete Times Forum, or to dine and shop at Channelside.
Avoid traffic and costly parking near these locations, park in
a remote garage, and take the streetcar in. Prices are $1.25
one-way ($0.60 for seniors, youth, and those on Medicare or
with disabilities), and $3.00 all day with a 1-Day Unlimited
Ride fare card. For more information, visit www.tecolinestreetcar.org. |
Commuting
Options
Telework/Telecommuting
& Compressed Work Schedules
Commute Option:
Telework/Telecommuting
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What is it?
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Telecommuting is the ability to work from home or a satellite
office. It can be used on a regular basis or temporarily,
while an employee is working on a particular project or when
they are unable to make the commute to work. The large
majority of telecommuters do so only one or two days a week,
on average. This allows them to interact with other employees,
perform administrative tasks, and attend meetings on the days
they work at a central worksite. While telework may require
advanced equipment in some cases, oftentimes just a phone
and/or a personal computer are needed. Telework is best suited
for employees who have strong time management skills and are
already productive workers.
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Benefits
of Telecommuting to Employers:
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· Strengthened
recruitment and retention of employees who desire more
flexibility
· Reduced
absenteeism, sick leave, and late arrivals
· Increased
employee productivity and satisfaction
· Reduced
need for office space and parking · Expanded geographic
access to skilled workers
· Enhanced
public recognition as an innovative business and as a good
corporate citizen |
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When developing a telework program,
the New North Transportation Alliance can help you
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· Identify
jobs compatible with telecommuting
· Identify
equipment needs
· Establish
policies regarding eligibility, equipment use, etc.
· Market
the program to potential telecommuters
· Develop
a system for evaluating the telework program |
Commute Option: Compressed Work Schedules
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A compressed work schedule program allows
employees to work a full-time schedule in fewer days a week,
by working more hours a day.
The day off can be the same for all employees or may
vary among employees, if office space or coverage is an issue.
The most common compressed schedules are:
· 4/40:
A 40-hour week consisting of four 10-hour days and one
day off a week
· 9/80:
80 hours worked over two weeks, consisting of eight
9-hour days, one 8-hour day and one day off.
· 3/36:
A 36-hour work week consisting of three 12-hour days
and two days off a week – more common with shift-type
jobs
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Benefits of compressed work schedule programs to employers
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· Reduced
absenteeism, tardiness and turnover
· Opportunity
to increase employee coverage without increasing office space
· Increased
productivity
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Increased
job satisfaction for employees that desire more flexibility in
their schedules
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When developing a compressed work schedule program, the New
North Transportation Alliance can help:
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· Determine what schedule to use for days off
· Develop policies and procedures regarding eligibility, days off, etc.
· Market program to employees
· Develop
a process for program evaluation |
Get
Away for a Day, Take a Trolley Ride
and explore some of the Tampa Bay Area's unique communities
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The Tarpon Springs
Trolley: The Trolley connects the City's
famous "Sponge Docks" with its downtown "Arts
and Antiques" district. Other areas of interest served by
the trolley include the Spring Bayou, Heritage Museum, and
Craig Park; the Historic Greek District including St.
Michael's Shrine and the Inness Paintings; the St. Nicholas
Greek Orthodox Cathedral; the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center;
and the Chamber of Commerce. A route map and current schedules
can be accessed at
http://www.ci.tarpon-springs.fl.us/trolley.htm
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| The Looper Trolley: Downtown St.
Petersburg: Explore Downtown St.
Petersburg's shops, restaurants, museums, and other
attractions on one of the bright pink open-air trolleys. At
only $1.00 per trip ($0.50 for seniors, disables, and Medicare
cardholders) enjoy service to the Pier, the Vinoy, Bayfront
Hilton, numerous museums (Fine Arts, Florida Holocaust,
Florida International, Dali), Baywalk, and USF St. Pete. Find
route maps, downtown parking information, and the current
Looper schedule at www.stpete.org/looper.htm
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Suncoast Beach
Trolley: Take a ride on the Suncoast Beach
Trolley and explore many unique beaches from Sand Key to Passe-A-Grille,
for only $1.25 a ride, or $3.00 all day with an Unlimited
Daily GO Card. Browse the shops on Corey Avenue, enjoy the
sights at John's Pass Village, or enjoy a beautiful sunset.
The Trolley runs every 20-30 minutes Monday through Sunday,
from 5:05 am to 10:10 pm, with service until midnight on
Friday and Saturday. More information on this trolley can be
found on PSTA's website, at http://www.psta.net/beachtrolley.htm
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| The Jolley Trolley: Clearwater
Beach: Heading to Clearwater Beach this
spring? Avoid the search for parking on the beach by parking
in downtown Clearwater and taking the Jolley Trolley over the
bridge to the beach. Already on the beach and looking to find
that perfect patch of sand? Take the Jolley Trolley up and
down the beach, from Sand Key to north Mandalay Avenue. Find
out more at http://www.thejolleytrolley.com/
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Vanpool
Riders Wanted:
Decrease commute
costs, improve use of travel time
A vanpool traveling from Sarasota/Bradenton to the USF Area,
including the VA Hospital and Telecom Parkway is seeking riders. Work hours are from 7:00am - 4:30 pm. Call 813-282-8200 for more information.
New
North Alliance Seeks Comments on Commute
Experiences
UNTI
is interested in hearing about your commute!
Simply send an email to sobush@cutr.usf.edu
or fill out the commute
comments form at www.newnorthalliance.org
to tell us about your daily commute and any ways you have found to
make the trip more bearable.
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