Transit pass free for VCU students
Transit passes for VCU students are now free for the fall 2008 semester. The passes, once $50, are available to full-time undergraduates and to graduate students taking a minimum of nine credit hours.
The passes enable students to ride the Greater Richmond Transit Company buses, excluding the 96 Fredericksburg Express route.
Transit passes for VCU students are now free for the fall 2008 semester. The passes, once $50, are available to full-time undergraduates and to graduate students taking a minimum of nine credit hours.
The passes enable students to ride the Greater Richmond Transit Company buses, excluding the 96 Fredericksburg Express route.
Anthropology major Megan Schulze, who received her free bus pass 1108A W. Broad St., said she thought the program was resourceful.
“I think it will save a lot of money on gas,” Schulze said. “It’s not necessary to use your car.”
Miriam Maddux, the VCU parking-and-transportation ombudsman, said the program not only gives students access to GRTC routes, but also will have a positive impact on the environment. Maddux said the free passes are intended to draw fewer cars onto campus, to produce more parking spaces and to help students find an alternative in light of rising gas prices.
“The university aspect is that it’s environmentally friendly,” Maddux said.
Students are already taking advantage of this new deal. Maddux said the program is having a great response.
“The program has been successful,” Maddux said. “The first day of distribution, VCU handed out twice as many passes as last year.”
The rezoning of the Fan has changed the parking situation for Richmond commuters. More students are attending VCU, and there is less space available for students to use the parking garages and find parking on the street. The GRTC bus system will provide more options for students who commute, relieving them of the burden of parking.
Homeland security major Henry Hernandez said he doesn’t think the passes will help him.
“I have to go to work after class,” Hernandez said. “Cars are more convenient.”
In addition to increasing convenience for students and reducing the university’s environmental impact, Maddux said she hopes the program will diminish the stereotype that only lower-income people ride the bus. She said that is not the perception of bus riders in other cities.
“People that have never been on the bus will get on and see great GRTC service,” Maddux said.
Students will be required to show their student transit pass along with their VCU identification-card. Passes are available at 1108A W. Broad St. or by calling 828-8726.
