Ontario Council Offers Free Transportation to College Students
ONTARIO, CALIF. — Approximately 2,700 students who reside in Ontario and attend select California State Universities and Community Colleges located in San Bernardino County are eligible to receive free transportation to and from school for the 2011-2012 academic year. Ontario Councilmember and Omnitrans Board Vice-Chairman Alan Wapner stated “As part of the City of Ontario’s 2011-2012 budget, the Mayor and City Council have dedicated over $40,000 in funds to provide a College Free Pass program to Ontario’s college students.”
Omnitrans, the local public transit agency, is partnering with California State University San Bernardino, Chaffey College, Crafton Hills College and Valley College to implement a College Free Pass pilot program. In addition to reducing the cost of attending school the College Free Pass program will:
- Reduce transportation costs for residents attending college;
- Remove the lack of transportation as a barrier to college for low income residents;
- Alleviate traffic and parking congestion near campus and,
- Help municipalities meet mandated and unfunded air pollution and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Annually, AB 2766 funds are disbursed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and must be used for projects that reduce motor vehicle emissions. Public transportation fare subsidies, such as the College Free Pass pilot program, qualify as an acceptable use of funds.
About The City of Ontario: The City of Ontario is Southern California’s Next Urban Center. Located just 35 miles from Los Angeles, Ontario is uniquely positioned as the “economic engine” of one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Ontario is home to the LA/Ontario International Airport, and an incomparable transportation system of three major freeways and two railroads that provide access to the region, the nation and the globe. With a highly skilled local talent base and lower cost space than coastal counties, Ontario, California is the place to do business. For more information, visit www.OntarioThinksBusiness.com.