Class 1 – Polk County Transit Service

Target Audience: Existing Riders, potential riders, local officials and transit advocates
Project Cost:  Sponsorship donations $2800, own expense $425.  Total – $3225
Description: The Winter Haven Transit 10th Anniversary celebration and time capsule dedication.

• Nearly 1,000 attendees
• Newspaper coverage included previews and event coverage equal to nearly $2500 in free advertising
• Over 800 bus passes were distributed throughout the day with over 90% return
• Community leaders and riders came together to provide transit memorabilia for the time capsule (to be opened in 2034)
• Sponsors provided $2800 worth of valuable in-kind donations (food, beverages, signage, giveaways, and supplies)
• Recognition from the US House of Representatives
• All invitations were done through signage at the Terminal, on buses, and through email. No postage expense incurred.
• Printing of programs and flyers was done in-house
• The visible success of the event will be vital in our efforts toward securing a dedicated funding source for Public Transportation in Polk County
• Granite time capsule maker was donated by staff member and lettered at no charge to sponsor.

Class 2 – Palm Tran

Target Audience: Residents of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, News media
Project Cost: $500 for invitations, programs & refreshments
Description: In 2007, officials from FDOT approached Palm Tran with an idea to operate express bus service originating from Martin County. Representatives from Martin County, South Florida Commuter Services and FDOT worked with Palm Tran.  In celebration of two years of hard work, a grand-opening event was held. The news coverage generated before and after the event assisted with creating interest in the new service. The event was attended by local elected and transportation officials, the media, and interested members of the public.

This project has provided many first-time experiences for Palm Tran:

• The first limited-stop express park-and-ride service.
• The first bus with Wi-Fi internet access.
• The first route to be operated across county lines.
• The first introduction of hybrid buses to the fleet.

The Commuter Express has given Palm Tran the opportunity to expand its demographic base, to enhance and build the image of public transportation in the community and to establish better relations with neighboring Counties to the North. The implementation of the Commuter Express was truly a cause for celebration.