The 2014 Florida Commuter Choice Summit, sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation, and hosted by the Center for Urban Transportation Research and the Southeast Chapter of the Association for Commuter Transportation (SEACT), was held March 13 and 14, 2014 at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center in Tampa. The Summit is an annual event that includes innovative presentations on Transportation Demand Management topics and updates from the seven FDOT districts.  Recipients of the Florida Travel Choices Awards and Road Scholar (Commuter Choice) Certificates were recognized at the annual awards breakfast. Use the links below to download PDF copies of the presentations featured at the event and view photos.

 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Understanding the Strategic Marketing Benefit of Your Organization’s Vision and Mission: TDM agencies were asked to address a variety of travel problems. In fact, some might say they are asked to do too much, resulting in loosely defined goals and performance metrics. This interactive session will provide you with an opportunity to explore and evaluate the core function of TDM agencies and supply vital tools in clarifying your organization’s vision and mission. Presented by Jeff Horton, Director, The Marketing Institute, FSU College of Business and Cinthia Satornino, Marketing Ph.D. Candidate, Florida State University.

Millennial Travel Behavior: This discussion reviewed our knowledge of millennial travel behavior and its potential impact on the future of transportation. Available descriptive data was presented and discussion of causal relationships, travel theory considerations, data availability and quality, and related factors will be explored to provide informed speculation on the implications of this significant cohort on future travel demand. . Presented by Dr. Steve Polzin, MPR Director, USF-CUTR. Moderated by Mike Wright, Statewide CAP Program Manager, Florida Department of Transportation.

Automated Vehicles: Automated vehicle technology is set to change the direction of driving in a shift toward safety and driver assisted features, and the Tampa Bay area is getting ready for the future. Presented by Secretary Paul J. Steinman, Florida Department of Transportation, District 7.

Integrating SunRail Into the District 5 Mode Mix: SunRail, Central Florida’s first commuter rail service, will begin service in May 2014, offering a great new way for people to get to work in District 5. The new service has meant renewed interest in commute options which central Florida’s reThink team has capitalized on to engage new partners and invigorate existing relationships. Tasked with addressing “last mile connectivity,” the advent of SunRail has encouraged reThink to enhance their offerings in pedestrian and bicycle safety, as well as develop new programs like car-sharing and bike-sharing. Presented by Courtney Miller, Program Manager, reThink. Moderated by Mike Wright, Statewide CAP Program Manager, Florida Department of Transportation.

Log Their Trips. Track Their Savings. Get More Green.: Commuter Services District One (Florida) briefly explored how EZTrack, a new module of the FDOT-sponsored EZRide system, helps them measure both the monetary savings and carbon footprint of their marketing and outreach activities. By using this tool, commuters and partners can measure their progress toward saving money and helping the environment. Presented by Christine Diaz-Pagan, Program Director, Commuter Services and Mary Jane “MJ” Montgomery, Administrative Support Specialist, Commuter Services. Moderated by Mike Wright, Statewide CAP Program Manager, Florida Department of Transportation.

 

Friday, March 14, 2014

2014 Florida Travel Choices Awards

Commuter Choice Certificate Graduates

SEACT Awards

Award Winning TDM Programs: This session showcased award winning Best Workplaces for Commuters supporting agencies and their efforts to provide national and local recognition to employers.

  1. Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART) – Chantale Wesley-Lamin, TDM Manager, PART
  2. Triangle – Kelsey Kusterer, Planner, Triangle J Council of Governments
  3. 2013 “Gold Supporting Agency” and the “Best Of” Supporting Agency – Christine Diaz-Pagan, Program Manager, Commuter Services
  4. Race to Excellence – Julie Bond, Project Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters, USF-CUTR

The Role of Collaborative Consumption in Public Transportation: Although the term may be unfamiliar to you, “collaborative consumption” is the cornerstone of many commuter assistance programs throughout the country. This session explored how a commuter’s decision to forego personal ownership of a car can affect mobility and even future transportation planning practices. Presented by Rebeca Perren PhD, Candidate in Marketing and Instructor, University of Central Florida. Moderated by Jeff Horton, Director, The Marketing Institute, FSU College of Business.

The Link Between Transportation Planning and Physical Activity: During this session we learned about the benefits of physical activity and how transportation planning can improve the health and physical activity habits of individuals. Presented by Barbara E. Roberts, MS, RD, LD/N, Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County.

Fundamentals of Commuter Tax Benefits: This session provided a summary of Internal Revenue Code Section 132(f) qualified transportation fringe benefits, including changes in 2014 rates. Presented by Philip Winters, TDM Program Director, USF-CUTR.

 

Summit Photos

2014 Florida Commuter Choice Summit Photos by Slidely Slideshow