MONTEREY COUNTY — Students of Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College and California State University Monterey Bay are now eligible to ride Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) for free.
All 20,623 college students can ride MST systemwide for free this fall through the newly named, “MST College EcoSmart Pass Program.” In addition, CSUMB has also negotiated with MST to include its nearly 800 faculty and staff to be included in the EcoSmart Pass program.
Previously, funding for free transportation for college students was provided in large part by state grants; however, they are no longer available. Recognizing the importance of transportation for its students, the colleges have partnered with MST to develop a consistent program that can be applied to all three schools, and possibly even expanded to incorporate other colleges in the area.
In addition to connecting students to their place of learning, the opportunity to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles operating in the community is a win for everyone. Students are able to ride for free anywhere, anytime — access to the free transportation is not limited to trips to and from school.
“Working together to connect our community to educational opportunities and provide access to learning — all while being kind to our planet is smart … just like the EcoSmart Pass,” said MST General Manager/CEO Carl Sedoryk.
For more information, visit mst.org or call Monterey-Salinas Transit toll-free at 1‑888‑MST‑BUS1 (1‑888‑678‑2871).
