Proposals for transportation assistance programs have yet to be finalized, but there are alternatives available for Pierce College commuters such as the Rideshare Incentive Program for faculty and reduced-price bus passes for students.
The Pierce College Rideshare Program is available for all faculty members on campus. According to Employee Transportation Coordinator Christine Valada, the program was brought forth to encourage people to carpool or take public transportation to and from work.
“The Rideshare Program is part of our obligations under the South Coast Management District Rule 2202, which says that organizations with more than 150 employees are required to reduce their carbon footprint,” Valada said.
Although the Rideshare Program is exclusively for employees, students can also save money by using public transportation to get to school.
Metro offers monthly reduced-fee bus passes for college students at $43 a month. To qualify, students must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited institution in Los Angeles County, and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester units.
“We used to sell the passes here on campus for several years. The rates have raised since then, but $43 a month is not bad at all,” said Valada.
Valada believes that many people are unaware of the benefits public transportation has to offer.
“I try to do a couple of presentations a year on campus,” Valada said. “Now that my office is closer, students are welcome to come by and ask any questions that they may have.”
Director of Financial Aid Anafe Robinson, said that students, especially those of low income, can benefit greatly from public transportation.
“Over 60 percent of our students are receiving a fee waiver,” says Anafe. “That usually means that they are low income. Having a discounted price for buses and metro trains is extremely beneficial for our students.”
Pierce College American Sign Language major, Edward Willrader, believes that there are various reasons why students do not take advantage of public transportation.
“I grew up using public transportation. The only issue is not everyone wants to do it,” Willrader said. “You really don’t need a car if you work the public transportation correctly.”
