RTA LAUNCHES U-PASS, CREST CRUISER
New program allows UCR students to ride RTA buses for free

Thousands of college students will be able to ride the bus for free thanks to a new partnership between the University of California, Riverside and the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA).

The RTA Board of Directors approved an ambitious plan Thursday that provides  students with what is essentially an all-access bus pass. UC Riverside students get free rides simply by swiping their valid university identification cards through any RTA bus farebox when they board. 

The program, which is dubbed U-Pass, is designed to help ease traffi c congestion around campus, reduce parking problems and encourage ride-sharing.

 “Given the increasing cost of gas, UCR is confident that many of its students will choose this no-cost transportation option,” said the university’s transportation director Mike Delo. “When students choose to ride on RTA, it will result in less traffi c and cleaner air.”

Additionally, RTA will launch a new trolley service called the Crest Cruiser, which will travel a 6.8-mile route from the university to off-campus housing and retail outlets. The Crest Cruiser will begin service September 25, and be available to the general public. The U-Pass will also take effect on that date.

The trolley and free-ride program are products of the GO Riverside Task Force, which was launched two years ago by Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge with the goal of enhancing public transit in the area.

“I am delighted that one of the results of Go Riverside Task Force was the agreement between the University of California Riverside and RTA for the U-Pass system,” Loveridge said. “Because Riverside is a college town, a strong public transit system for university students is a critical resource for students and the community alike.”

The free rides enable students to save gas money, catch up on their studies or just take a break from their academic workloads. It’s also their connection to shopping, sports events, social activities, art and entertainment centers, and all the Riverside hot spots.

The U-Pass is valid for travel on all RTA routes and will be paid for by the university. The program has been successful at other campuses both statewide and nationally, including University of California, Irvine and University of California, Los Angeles.

“This program has been extremely successful in other college towns, and now Riverside students are getting their turn,” said RTA Chairman Jeff Fox. “It’s a very effective and inexpensive way for students to get around, plus they will be doing their part by helping minimize the traffic on our roads.”

Although the U-Pass is being launched this month, its concept has been in the works for years. In fact, when RTA installed new fareboxes four years ago, it made sure the devices were capable of reading student identification cards.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bradley Weaver (951) 565-5172