The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) have joined together to launch Startup 275, a creative campaign targeting would-be entrepreneurs in an effort to minimize traffic along the I-275 improvement zone.

Startup 275 is a new spin on carpooling, in which carpool teams will compete to win $10,000 to fund an idea voted on by the public. Tampa-based Cox Media radio station 97X is the presenting sponsor and will be giving away the $10,000 prize. The contest is open exclusively to commuters who travel I-275 at any point between the Howard Frankland Bridge and the Hillsborough River at least 12 days a month. The first 500 active carpoolers will also be eligible to earn a $25 Visa Gift Card each month.

The goals of the Startup 275 program are to increase carpooling, create a safer commute to and from work or school in the I-275 improvement zone and to rally the community around resident-driven ideas.

For more information about Startup 275, please visit the official website at Startup275.com.