Commuters and Political Leaders Say No to Traffic & High Gas Prices; Thousands Leave Cars Behind in 2006 South Florida Commuter Challenge.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The South Florida Commuter Services (SFCS) is pleased to announce that the second annual South Florida Commuter Challenge to keep single occupancy vehicles off the street Thursday, May 18th, has been successful. The agency, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, had been urging South Floridians to use alternate transportation methods, such as trains, buses, bikes, car pooling, or even walking, to get to work for the day to reduce traffic, gas costs, emissions, productivity losses, stress and accidents due to bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Led by a contingent of city, county and state officials, 9,184 South Floridians took the Challenge. "We are exceedingly pleased with the number of participants that took the Challenge this year," said Jim Udvardy, project director of the SFCS. For the month of May, Udvardy has been using an alternate method of transportation, from car pooling and cycling to van pooling and mass transit to commute to his office. He said the experience has been informative. "I had no illusions about this endeavor," Udvardy also stated. "I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of these different methods."

Fort Lauderdale mayor, Jim Naugle, used his neighborhood energy vehicle to not only commute to city hall, but also to travel to a number of official engagements. "It was excellent!" he said. "I can see why my wife doesn't let me use this vehicle very often...very enjoyable."

Similarly, Mayor Mara Giulianti of Hollywood, who car pooled with city officials to different locations, said the experience sensitized her to the many benefits of car pooling. "We realized time and money savings from being able to access the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes, and also the parking fees, wear and tear on cars, gas, and many other incidentals we might not otherwise consider," she said. "It takes planning and discipline, but it worked very well for us."

Additional participants included Miami-Dade County commissioners, Carlos Gimenez, Katy Sorenson and Rebecca Sosa, who traveled either by Metrorail or Metrobus, and Boca Raton Mayor, Steven Abrams, who arrived at city hall by bicycle. Other participants and supporters include: Mayors Richard Kaplan, Lauderhill; Scott Brook, Coral Springs; Don Slesnick, Coral Gables; Lori Cohen Moseley, Miramar; Commissioner Sally Heyman, North Miami Beach; and Mayor Joy Cooper, Hallandale Beach, and more than 155 employers, municipal leaders and commuters.

Miami-Dade Transit held a contest in observance of the Commuter Challenge, between two commuters, who used mass transit and two who drove a car. In both instances, the commuter that used mass transit arrived before the driver (one by 15 minutes, the other by 48). "Everybody ought to try an alternate transportation method available to them that makes sense for their situation, if only a few times per week," said Naugle.

South Florida Commuter Services will be holding a random drawing of the winner of the 2006 Commuter Challenge on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.

South Florida Commuter Services is a regional commuter assistance program funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). It provides assistance to area residents, businesses and municipalities. For commuting options, contact South Florida Commuter Services, at 800-234-RIDE or visit http://www.1800234RIDE.com.