SRJC students now ride free on public transit buses

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) students can now ride ANY bus line, ANY time for FREE on Santa Rosa CityBus, Petaluma Transit, and Sonoma County Transit. SRJC students simply show their validated SRJC CubCard to the bus driver when boarding a bus and they are set to go. SRJC students ride free for travel anywhere in Sonoma County, not just for trips to and from campus.

Riding the bus is a sustainable transportation alternative that improves health, saves money, and helps the environment. SRJC’s Associated Students recognize the importance of sustainable transportation alternatives and voted in favor of assessing themselves a Transportation Fee to support this free fare program. The SRJC Transportation Fee, in combination with individual transit agency funding will cover the cost of providing these free and unlimited bus rides on buses operated by Santa Rosa CityBus and Petaluma Transit, in addition to Sonoma County Transit.

Robert Ethington, Dean of Student Affairs and Engagement Programs, expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of SRJC students who have shown their commitment to creating sustainable transportation alternatives for current and future students. “Being a college student is stressful enough, and this transportation partnership helps students by taking the hassle out of commuting and finding a parking space on campus. SRJC students can now say good-bye to vehicle expenses such as parking fees, gasoline, insurance fees and maintenance costs.”

On Tuesday, September 19, the Santa Rosa City Council approved the transportation partnership with the College. CityBus, Deputy Director, Rachel Ede, stated. “CityBus is pleased to partner with SRJC to meet the transportation needs of students. CityBus offers several routes making it easy and convenient to travel to the College’s two Santa Rosa locations.” CityBus Route 1 and Route 7 both stop at the Santa Rosa Campus and Route 2B serves the Southwest site. Find individual route maps and trip planning tool online at srcity.org/CityBus or view the full system Map and Timetable.

SRJC students have shown their support for reducing the number of single-occupant vehicles on Sonoma County roads. This county wide program will help decrease the number of drive-alone commuters and reduce our community’s overall carbon footprint. Ethington added, “In addition to environmental benefits, this program improves the College’s ability to provide access to educational services to some of the county’s most economically disadvantaged students. The program aims to reduce parking demand at SRJC, increase students’ access to the College, help recruit and retain students, and reduce the overall cost of attending SRJC.”

In addition to free access to transit bus services, the College is exploring other services to meet the transportation needs of its students. This fall, students were provided with free parking and a shuttle from the City parking garage on Seventh Street to the SRJC Campus on Mendocino Avenue.

About CityBus: Formed in 1958, CityBus provides local transit (bus) and ADA Paratransit services within the Santa Rosa city limits. The system comprehensively serves Santa Rosa’s neighborhoods, the downtown business and shopping district, schools, Santa Rosa Junior College, various shopping centers throughout town, libraries, parks and government centers. CityBus operates a fleet of 32 buses on 15 fixed routes to serve these areas. Learn more at srcity.org/CityBus.

About SRJC: Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is known for academic excellence, superb faculty and staff, comprehensive student services and beautiful facilities. Celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2018, this beloved community institution enrolls approximately 26,000 each semester. SRJC is dedicated to making higher education accessible to all and removing barriers to our students’ success. Student life is vibrant, with over 40 clubs, conference-winning athletic teams, nationally ranked speech and debate teams, and outstanding theatre arts, music and dance programs Learn more at santarosa.edu.