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Frequently Asked Questions


We connect commuters with other commuters to share rides to work. We do not provide any drivers nor do we provide rides to work.


We do not provide transportation. We encourage commuters to ride public transportation, like Citrus Connection, Manatee County Area Transit, Sarasota County Area Transit, Collier Area Transit, DeSoto-Arcadia Regional Transit and Good Wheels. Please visit their websites for job openings for drivers.


We do not collect money or oversee any financial transactions between commuters sharing a ride to work.


No, we do not charge for our commuter services and employer consulting services. Commute Connector is a program sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation. We are funded through the state’s Commuter Assistance Program grant.


We work with employers in 12 counties in Southwestern Florida. Some of our top employer partners include the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, South Seas Island Resort, and many others.

Tips for a Successful Carpool or Vanpool
  • Make a schedule for departures and arrivals.
  • Discuss flexibility – and whether your group will wait for latecomers.
  • Split expenses fairly. This could mean sharing fuel expenses or calculating the per-mile cost.
  • Keep in contact. Make sure to share cell phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Have a backup plan. Our Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program can help if you have to stay late or get sick while at work
Tips for Starting a Telecommuting Program
  • Create a Telework Team consisting of people from different departments who are interested in or impacted by telecommuting. Proactively address potential challenges and set expectations for telecommuters. This is a great way to identify and address challenges that you may face, from the IT department to the Customer Service division.
  • Identify potential telecommute-friendly positions. Not all types of jobs can be done from home.
  • Set policies and goals for your telecommute program.
  • Launch a pilot program. This will allow you to test your policies and adjust them as needed.

Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office in writing at Florida Department of Transportation, ATTN: Commute Connector, 801 N Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830 or by phone at (866) 585-RIDE (7433).