BAY AREA COMMUTER SERVICES

It's Cool to School Pool!

The TBARTA/BACS School Pool Program (SPP) is a pilot program currently being offered to parents at selected elementary, middle and high schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.  The primary focus is to provide the services of TBARTA/BACS’ computerized rideshare matching and to provide continuity for any existing and future developed school pool programs.  TBARTA/BACS uses its rideshare matching database to develop a list (Match List) of names for each registered parent that can be used to match them with other parents at their respective schools for school pooling (carpooling) of their children to school.  The match list is distributed to parents through a designated School Pool Coordinator (SPC) at the participating schools.  It is then the responsibility of parents to contact names on their lists to make ridesharing arrangements for the school year.

Below are the schools selected to participate in the TBARTA/BACS School Pool Program for the 2010-2011 school year.  Parents, with students attending one of the schools listed below, should contact the School Pool Coordinator (SPC) at their school for information and applications.  Parents should not contact TBARTA/BACS directly to make School Pool arrangements. TBARTA/BACS has also linked to participating programs that have this information on their school and/or PTA/PSTA websites. 

Hillsborough County Magnet School Pool Program

All Hillsborough magnet schools have signed up with Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) to help parents with transportation. Contact your school for information or click on the below link.

http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/Magnet/transportation.asp

 

Pinellas County School Program

Below are the participating Pinellas County schools.  Contact your school for information or click on available links below.

Clearwater Fundamental Middle School

• Flier for school pool information: CLICK HERE

• School Pool application: CLICK HERE

Forest Lakes Elementary CLICK HERE

Madiera Beach Fundamental (K-8) CLICK HERE

Osceola Fundamental High School CLICK HERE

TIPS FOR STARTING A “SCHOOL POOL” AND KEEPING IT GOING

TBARTA/BACS School Pool Program

Q. What is a TBARTA/BACS School Pool Partnership?

The School Pool Program is a partnership between selected schools in the Tampa Bay region, and their respective Parent Teacher Associations (PTA), and the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA)/Bay Area Commuter Services (BACS).  TBARTA/BACS provides regional commuter assistance programs and services with the primary role of promoting commute options other than using a single occupant vehicle.  Programs and services are funded through the Florida Department of Transportation and are provided at no cost.  The commuter assistance program area covers Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.

Q. Why did we create an official School Pool Program?

 Many families at area schools are already participating in self-organized carpooling.  TBARTA/BACS will help expand the existing program using its computerized ridematching program.  TBARTA/BACS will also add promotional support, and most importantly, provide continuity to the existing program

Q. How do I register?

 Registration forms will be available in the participating school office.  Return completed forms to the office, ATTN: School Pool Coordinator.  Once you are school pooling, let TBARTA/BACS know by filling out a School Pool survey.

Q.If I cannot be a driver in a school pool (carpool), can I still participate?

Yes, everyone can participate.  You can make other arrangements with parents like pitching in for gas or arranging rides for other events, times, places, etc. 

Q. What happens to my information when I fill out a registration form?

Your information is processed in the TBARTA/BACS’ rideshare matching database.  All information is kept confidential.  Only parents registered in the program see information on their match list about possible school poolers.  No information is provided about students.

Q. I am currently in a carpool, why should I register in the School Pool Program?

Every family should register with the program.  With more parents registered, there is a better chance for a match.  Just because you are on a match list, doesn’t mean you are obligated to school pool.  However, the match list can provide an important back up if your current situation changes, or if you suddenly need to know which parents live nearby to arrange to get your student to school.  

Q. What if my son or daughter needs to go to soccer practice, grandma’s house or drama class after school

When setting up a school pool (carpool) with a parent, you can make individual arrangements on where the children will go after school.

Q. If I am already registered but I have moved, how do I update my information?

Call TBARTA/BACS at (800) 998-7433 to update your information.  Be sure to mention that you are a School Pool parent and the name of your school.