Transportation Services

Transportation Demand Management Strategies

1. Carpooling Rewards Programs

2. Teleworking

3. Preferential Parking

4. Commuter Incentives for:

   1. Using Transit

   2. Walking

   3. Biking

5. Vanpool Programs

Transportation Demand Management Benefits

1. Monetary Savings

2. Reduce Commuting Stress

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions

4. Improved Productivity

Employer Programs

The Transportation Management Initiative (TMI) can link commuters from home to work. We can help employers identify feasible alternative transportation options or initiate TDM programs with Needs Assessment Evaluation, Program Implementation, and Program Retainment/Monitoring.

The following are the Employer Programs we currently offer:

1. Transit Pass Employer Program

   The TMI can help start a partnership between businesses and transit agencies to provide monthly subsidized or discounted transit passes to employees.

2. Carpool Employer Program

   We can provide carpooling ride-matching services to employers to help get employees connected.

3. South Florida Vanpool Employer Program

   South Florida Vanpools are a service administered by Enterprise. Vanpools are typically made up of 5-15 commuters and can be an effective alternative with many benefits, including no tolls. For more information on how to set up a Vanpool, please contact us at 954-884-5311 or visit commutewithenterprise.com.

4. Parking Cash-Out

   The Parking Cash-Out Program is a commuter benefit program where an employer offers their employees the option to receive a monthly Tri-Rail pass, Palm Tran pass, or cash incentive to replace or limit subsidized parking at work.

   Cash-out programs are an effective way to rewards employees who choose to utilize public transportation, carpooling, biking, or use an alternative to driving alone for commuting to work.

5. Request a Rack Program

   Businesses, office buildings and residential buildings without adequate bicycle parking may request a bike rack and installation.

   Requirements:

   1. Racks are hitch style accommodating two bicycles per rack.

   2. Racks are installed in public space within the City of West Palm Beach limits in the downtown and Northwood Village areas usually on a sidewalk with 6 or more feet of clear sidewalk space remaining.

   3. Racks are placed at convenient, usable locations near building entrances without impeding pedestrians.

   4. Racks are placed with adequate clearance from curb ramps and crosswalks, street furniture, driveways, and parked cars.

   5. City-owned property. (Bicycle racks installed on private property are usually paid for by the property owner.)

   6. Concrete sidewalk width wide enough not to impede pedestrian traffic.

   7. Racks cannot be installed on pavers, cobblestone or metal grating.

      After reviewing the bicycle rack location criteria to determine if the rack location may qualify for the program, businesses, properties and organizations may request a free bicycle rack by completing the on-line request form.  After a request is received and evaluated, those sites deemed suitable for inspection will be given an on-site evaluation.  If the location is approved, it will be added to the city’s next order for installation.

   8.  Teleworking and Flex Working

Allowing employees to skip the “rush” and telework or work alternative hours is a great way to alleviate the concentration of vehicles during peak hours.

The benefits of teleworking and flex working include but are not limited to the following:

1. Reduces Peak Hour Traffic

2. Increases Productivity

3. Reduces Employment Turnover

4. Reduces Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

5. Cost Effective Option for Everyone

6. Offers Flexibility to Parents

Want to participate in any of these programs? Please contact the city’s Transportation Management Initiative Coordinator, Roya Edwards, at 954-884-5311 or email redwards@ctseinc.com

Tri Rail

Tri-Rail (South Florida Regional Transportation Authority - RTA) is a regional passenger train system that provides service from the Miami International Airport to Mangonia Park in Palm Beach County. The West Palm Beach Tri-Rail Station is within the Downtown, which has an abundance of employment centers, residences, restaurants, and places to shop. Download the Tri-Rail App (available for iPhone and Android) for easy scheduling and trip-planning on the go. Click here for more information on the station, scheduling, and additional transit connections.

Connecting Options

1. The City of West Palm Beach offers a FREE local transportation service that directly connects the Tri-Rail station to Downtown amenities. RideWPB offers service to and from the Tri-Rail Station Downtown, and has expanded service to many outlying neighborhoods and has on-demand service to many downtown and area locations. The service operates seven days between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

1. Tri-Rail Commuter Connector 
   Tri-Rail offers FREE bus service to Tri-Rail riders between the West Palm Beach station and the Palm Beach International Airport. The Commuter Connector is not just offered in West Palm Beach, use it as an alternative to get to and from select stations. The Commuter Connector shuttles have different routes depending on each Tri-Rail station location. For a full list of shuttle routes please visit Tri-Rail Commuter Connectors. Click HERE for the West Palm Beach Commuter Connector Route Map.

2. Palm Tran 
   Palm Tran Buses have an extensive number of routes that service all of Palm Beach County. Visit  Palm Tran for detailed information on the routes and for trip planning services.
   
   

3. Palm Tran Buses have an extensive number of routes that service all of Palm Beach County. Visit PalmTran for detailed information on the routes and for trip planning services.

Discounts and Incentives

Others that can benefit from the 50% discount include:

• Students

• Senior Citizens 65 Years or Older

• Persons with Disabilities

• Veterans with Disabilities

• Children

Click HERE for details and more information on discounts.

Employer Benefits

To find out if your employer participates or to obtain information about the program click HERE, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245).

Have questions? Please contact Tri-Rail at 1-800-874-7245

Customer Service is available Weekdays 4 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. and Weekends 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Bicycle Lockers

Bicycles are allowed on the Tri-Rail, but to those who wish to store their bicycle at the stations, effective and secure bicycle lockers are available for Tri-Rail users. To reserve a bicycle locker and to find out more information please visit Tri-Rail Bicycle Information.

Brightline Trains 

Brightline is a regional express passenger rail service that provides streamlined connections between Downtown Miami, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Downtown West Palm Beach. The West Palm Beach Brightline Station is in the heart of Downtown and just a couple steps away from the Government Center, Clematis District, Rosemary Square, Centennial Park, and numerous other destinations. The West Palm Beach station is located at 501 Evernia Street. For more information about the station, its location, and amenities, please visit Brightline/West Palm Beach.

For scheduling, booking trips, train status, and other general information, please click Brightline. Download the Brightline App (available for iPhone and Android) for easy ticket purchases and scheduling on the go.

Connecting Options

1. RideWPB

   The City of West Palm Beach offers a FREE local transportation service that directly connects the Tri-Rail station to Downtown amenities. RideWPB offers service to and from the Tri-Rail Station Downtown, and has expanded service to many outlying neighborhoods and has on-demand service to many downtown and area locations. The service operates seven days between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

2. Palm Tran
   Palm Tran Buses have an extensive number of routes that service all of Palm Beach County. The following routes offer service from the vicinity of the Brightline Station throughout Downtown and the rest of West Palm Beach.

• Route 1: PBG – BCR via US-1

• Route 41: WPB – PALM BCH INLET

Visit Palm Tran for detailed information on the routes and for trip planning services.

Discounts and Promotions

Student Discount Program

CityPlace Promotion

Special Offers

Have questions? Please email guestservices@gobrightline.com or visit the FAQs page.

Palm Tran

Palm Tran is the regional bus service for Palm Beach County with service throughout the County. Palm Tran offers frequent, convenient service to and around the downtown West Palm Beach area.

The West Palm Beach Intermodal bus transfer center, adjacent to the Tri-Rail station, provides greater service options and frequency for downtown commuters. The intermodal facility also connects commuters with Amtrak Trains, Greyhound Buses and the free RideWPB service funded by the City of West Palm Beach and Downtown Development Authority.

Schedules

For more detailed route information and click for current schedules and select from the Bus Service Directory or call 1-877-930-4287.

West Palm Beach Bus Routes

Palm Tran Buses have an extensive number of routes that service all of West Palm Beach. Click HERE for detailed information on these bus routes and trip planning services. 

Bus Fares

Palm Tran offers the following fares: Single Fare, Quick Pass Unlimited Day Pass and a 31-day Unlimited Pass. Find out more about current fares.

Bicycles on Palm Tran Buses

If you are thinking about riding your bicycle to catch the bus, Palm Tran has installed bicycle racks on the front of each bus. For more information click HERE. 

Palm Tran Go. Click. Plan. Ride.

Plan your trip and get real-time bus information online. Palm Tran offers an automated trip planner that gives real-time bus information and alerts by email or text message. Visit PalmTran and sign up to get started with Try myStop.

Google Transit - Get trip plans, maps, fares and connections to other Florida transit systems.

Have questions? Please contact Palm Tran at 1-877-930-4287 or visit Palm Tran.

National Transportation Services

Amtrak

Amtrak provides long and short-distance rail service throughout the United States. The Palm Beach International Airport is accessible from the West Palm Beach Amtrak station located at 201 South Tamarind Avenue. A Palm Tran shuttle is available to carry passengers to/from the station to the Palm Beach International Airport. For more information visit Amtrak.

Palm Beach International Airport-PBIA

Palm Beach International Airport is the gateway to West Palm Beach. PBIA serves over six million passengers each year and has been voted third best airport in the U.S. and sixth best in the world by the readers of the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine again in 2014. The Palm Beach International Airport is accessible by Tri-Rail from the West Palm Beach Tri-Rail station located at 203 South Tamarind Avenue. A shuttle is available to carry passengers to/from the Tri-Rail station to the Palm Beach International Airport.

The City of West Palm Beach and Downtown Development Authority offer a free all-electric area transit service to get you around the Downtown area and out to Palm Beach. RideWPB offers free shuttle transportation on a set route throughout Downtown and two on-demand services with a five-passenger Gem cart and with Tesla sedans. The service operates seven days a week.  Learn more here.

If you live within a short distance of your employer, walking or biking could be easier than you think. It is one of the best ways to save money on gas, increase physical activity, and reduce carbon emissions.

Bicycle Trip Planning Amenities

Interactive Bicycle Trip Planning Map

The Interactive Bicycle Trip Planning Map will give you a customized bike route based on your specifications, origin, and destination. Input your locations, pick your route type, indicate your average travel speed, get directions and get to pedaling! Click HERE to try it out today.

West Palm Beach Cycling Trails

The City of West Palm Beach has numerous bike trails that connect neighborhoods to employment centers. Check out the Interactive West Palm Beach Cycling Trails Map and find out if you live or work near a bike trail today.

Bicycle Suitability Map

The Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency’s (TPA) bike suitability map shows the most to least bikeable areas in Palm Beach County. Click HERE to download or view the TPA’s bike suitability maps!

Greenways and Bike Trails Map

Using a designated bike trail or greenway could be the safest and fastest away to travel by bicycle or walk to and from your home or employer. Find out if utilizing one of Palm Beach County’s many bike trails is a viable option for you by clicking HERE to view an interactive map of the trails and their current conditions.

Bright Bike

Bright Bike is an easy way to get around in the greater Downtown West Palm Beach area. Visit one of the 19 stations where you may rent a bicycle and simply drop it off an any of the other 18 stations between Okeechobee Boulevard to the south, Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard to the north, the Tri-Rail/Amtrak Station to the west and South Flagler Drive to the east. For rates and information visit Bright Bike.

Bike Registration

The City of West Palm Beach has a bike registration program with the Police Department. The program is designed to help recover lost or stolen bicycles. Contact the Police Department at (561) 822-1900 for details.

Carpooling

Registration

To register a carpool, you will need to have 2+ passengers in the vehicle (3+ to receive 95 Express Lane toll exemption) and you have to sign up with South Florida Commuter Services. Register HERE with South Florida Commuter Services to receive a free list of potential carpool partner. You can also use RideAmigos to help match you with other in your community or workplace.

Benefits

• Saves money. Share the costs of driving with other riders.

• Saves time. As a carpool, you can drive in the HOV lane.

• Reduces stress. Read, listen to music, or relax when you’re not driving.

• Helps the environment. Carpooling creates cleaner air and safer communities.

• Prolongs the life of your vehicle. Shared driving puts fewer miles on your own car.

• Reduces traffic. When three people carpool, there are two less cars on the road.

For more information or to speak with a Customer Service Representative: Call 1-800-234-RIDE (7433).

Tips for Carpooling:

1. Establish a driving schedule – Who drives and when?

2. Determine carpool fares – How are you splitting costs like gas or tolls?

3. Establish carpool etiquette – What about eating and drinking in the car, the radio, tardiness, smoking, etc.?

4. Manage your carpool – Exchange information like cell phone number and email address.

5. Registering – Make sure to register with SFCS so you can take advantage of the Emergency Ride Home and other programs.

Other Important Links:

• Guaranteed Ride Home

• 95 Express Lanes

• SFCS Online Personal Profile

Vanpooling

How does it work?

Vanpool provides eligible groups of 4-15 commuters with a month-to-month lease of a new van that includes insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. 

Registration

You can register by visiting South Florida Vanpool.

Benefits

• Save up 80% on your commute - includes $500/month from the Miami-Dade subsidy (must travel to or from Broward, West Palm Beach or Dade counties)

• I-95 & I-75 Express Lane toll exemption

• Reduced insurance premiums

• Less wear and tear on personal vehicle

• Emergency Ride Home program (vanpool 3+ days/week and get 6 free taxi or LYFT vouchers per year for emergencies or unscheduled overtime

Cost

The monthly costs are shared by the Vanpool team members and are based on van selection, number of riders and monthly mileage. Costs can also be shared or covered by the rider’s employer(s).

In case your Vanpool breaks down, South Florida Vanpool will send you another van so that you can get to work in time, or if you are signed up for the GRH you can use one of your vouchers.

Please contact: GP41@CommutewithEnterprise.com  |  (305) 558-1355

With more than 3,600 parking spaces, City of West Palm Beach Parking Services has plenty of parking options to offer you the convenience, affordability and safety to enjoy your visit.Click to see all the optionsfor parking in the downtown area.

Park and Ride Lots are specialized parking lots that are located in strategically placed areas away from heavy congestion. Their purpose is to serve local fixed transit routes, express buses, carpoolers, and vanpoolers.

The following table depicts the Park and Ride locations within or close to the City of West Palm Beach.

Visit South Florida Commuter Services or call 1-800-234-RIDE for more information.

Guaranteed Ride Home

What is GRH?

The GRH program provides commuters in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach County, Martin and Saint Lucie counties that use alternative transportation three or more times a week with 6 FREE TAXI OR LYFT RIDES PER YEAR to use in the event of an emergency or unscheduled overtime.

Eligibility

• Registered Carpool
• Registered Vanpool
• Ride Transit (at least 3 times/week)
• Bike or Walk (at least 3 times/week)

Eligible Commuting Modes

• Walking
• Biking
• Mass Transit
• Carpooling
• Vanpooling

Eligible Emergency Types

• Illness of the commuter of a member of his/her immediate family
• Unscheduled overtime or extended work hours
• A carpool/vanpool’s driver inability to make the scheduled trip home due to an unexpected work schedule or illness.

Not Emergencies Types

• May not be used for personal errands
• Pre-planned appointments/meetings
• Business related travel
• Weather related events
• Transit system delays or suspension of service
• Personal vehicle malfunctions

If you have additional questions please visit the Guaranteed Ride Home webpage or contact the South Florida Commuter Services Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-234-RIDE.

Toll Free Express Lanes

95 Express Lanes

The 95 Express Lanes Project converted the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane to two limited access toll lanes referred to as the 95 Express Lanes. 3+ carpoolers can use the Express Lanes toll-free. To registered a 3+ carpool click HERE.

Who Can Use the Toll Lanes for Free

The following users are able to use the 95 Express lanes toll free:

• Registered Carpools with 3+ Participants
• Registered Hybrid Vehicles
• Registered South Florida Vanpools
• Motorcycles
• Miami-Dade and Broward County Express Bus and Regular Transit
• Registered Over-the-Road Motor Coach Vehicles

Have questions? Please visit the 1800234ride.com or contact the South Florida Commuter Services Customer Services Representatives at 1-800-234-RIDE for more information on the program.

Commuter Tax Benefits

Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits (Section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code) or “Commuter Tax Benefits” can be an effective way for employees to save money on commute related purchases. By offering employees the option to use pretax dollars to pay for transit passes, vanpool fares and parking.

The monthly limit on the amount that may be excluded from an employee’s income for qualified parking benefits, transit expenses, or both varies each year. Be sure to visit the National Center for Transit Research’s website for updates and more detailed information HERE.