Omnitrans’ “Go Smart” Program Provides
Free Ride to College
San Bernardino, CA – Local college students will get a break from the rising cost of higher education this fall, as Omnitrans’ second installment of the “Go Smart” program offers them a free seven-day bus pass to get to campus.
In partnership with Cal State University San Bernardino, Chaffey, Crafton Hills and San Bernardino Valley Colleges and Loma Linda University, Omnitrans is gifting students with a special “Go Smart” pass. 26,000 of the $10-value passes will be distributed. When activated during the first week of the fall session, it is good for seven consecutive days of unlimited travel anywhere in the agency’s 480 square-mile service area.
More than 38,000 free student trips were tallied in 2008, the inaugural year for the “Go Smart” program. Boardings at campus bus stops increased by 57% during the promotion period compared to the prior year. Bus stop activity remained 49% higher a month after the promotion, meaning students continued to use Omnitrans after the free week.
“The Omnitrans “Go Smart” promotion is coming at an ideal time for the SBVC student body. The recent state-mandated enrollment fee increases and the continuing impact of the economic downturn have made it even tougher to for many students to pursue their dream of attending college,” said SBVC Director of Marketing and Public Relations Craig Petinak.
“Many students remember last year’s successful pilot program and have been asking about it as the semester approaches,” added Petinak. “The willingness of Omnitrans to offer this program confirms their interest in helping our students realize their future. As a campus, we welcome these opportunities that address two of our strategic initiatives (access and partnerships) with one program while offering even more to our students.”
“‘Go Smart’ lets college students try the bus for free to see how well it works for their situation,” said Director of Marketing Wendy Williams. “Like most of our customers, students are looking for low-cost transportation solutions. Omnitrans offers convenient service to each campus and with our 100% natural gas fleet, taking the bus is also environmentally responsible.” “Go Smart” passes are available for students at campus bookstores and other locations at the schools listed above; for details and personalized trip planning, visit www.omnitrans.org
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