Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Program
Q: What is South Florida Commuter Services?
A: South Florida Commuter Services (SFCS) is a fully funded program of the Florida Department of Transportation to encourage commuters to share the ride by taking an alternate mode of transportation to and from work in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties. Commuters can share the ride by carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, telecommuting, walking or biking to work.
Q: How does an organization benefit from participating?
A: Studies show employers that offer commuter benefits improve employee recruiting and retention, increase employee job satisfaction, and save money on parking and federal taxes. The program also provides employers with assistance on implementing commuter benefits, forums for exchanging ideas, post-hurricane plans for commuters and access to information about emerging trends and opportunities.
Q: What is the least known benefit for commuters who share the ride?
A: The Emergency Ride Home (ERH) Program provides free taxi service in emergency situations for registered commuters in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Think of it as "commuter insurance." The program is available to commuters who carpool, vanpool, ride transit, bicycle, or walk to work at least three times a week. Eligible "emergency" situations include the sudden illness of the commuter or a member of his/her immediate family; unscheduled overtime or extended work hours; or a carpool/vanpool driver's inability to make the scheduled trip home due to an unexpected work schedule change or illness. Each registered ERH program participant is allowed up to six taxi rides per year. An original voucher must be given to the taxi company to utilize the service.
Q: Why does the State Government promote commuter benefits?
A: Commuting to and from work is a primary cause of increased traffic congestion and air quality problems in many areas across the United States. Reducing the number of cars commuting during rush hour can reduce traffic and improve air quality. In fact, if half of all employees would share the ride, 15 million cars would be removed from the road daily. The annual cost of traffic congestion in South Florida is between $2-$3 billion, for an average of $900-$1700 per motorist per year. The average South Florida commuter spends 51 hours in traffic per year. And the cost of fuel has only escalated over the past three years from $28.20 to $60.20 for a tank of gas for one week.
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A Program of the
