Students with significant financial needs at San Mateo County's community colleges are in for another round of transit relief, thanks to SamTrans' decision to offer up another 5,000 free Way2Go passes for the upcoming academic year. The initiative, aimed at easing transportation woes and allowing students to pour their energy into their studies rather than logistics, was reported by SamTrans yesterday.
In a collaborative effort that rings of success from its inaugural year, SamTrans, the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG), and the San Mateo County Community Colleges District (SMCCCD) are ready to roll out another tranche of passes that grant free, unlimited rides seven days a week on SamTrans buses. Funded by a hefty $730,000 Lifeline Transportation Program Grant from C/CAG, this lifeline for the financially strapped students doesn’t come solo. It’s fortified with a combined match of $145,000 from the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation and SamTrans.
"Last year's program clearly demonstrated the difference reliable, fare-free transportation can make for students who need it most," said SamTrans Deputy General Manager/CEO David Santoro to the same publication. Their commitment is no gentle pat on the back; it's a second-year pledge to keep college students less worried about the how of getting around and more focused on the why of their educational journey. The tally now stands at 10,000 passes across two years. As before, passes are slated for distribution through SparkPoint centers.
