Class Pass Program Expands, Offering Free Transit to More San Gabriel Valley Students

For college students across the San Gabriel Valley, the daily commute just got a lot easier and significantly cheaper.

 

A transformative partnership is providing free, unlimited rides on Foothill Transit buses for students at Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC, tackling the ever-present challenges of gas prices and campus parking.

 

The program, known as the Class Pass, represents a major win for student affordability and regional sustainability.

 

"Money is literally everything as a college student," remarked one local student, echoing a sentiment widely shared by peers who now save hundreds of dollars a semester on transportation costs.

 

What began as a pilot program in Fall 2021 for Cal Poly Pomona students quickly proved its immense value.

 

Strong ridership numbers demonstrated an undeniable demand for alternative transportation, leading officials to make the Class Pass program a permanent fixture.

 

Since its inception, CPP students alone have taken a staggering 586,000 rides, a testament to the program's success.

 

The expansion of public transit access took another leap forward in 2023 with the unveiling of a new bus stop for the Silver Streak rapid bus line, conveniently located in front of the Student Services Building.

 

Starting this fall, the program is expanding even further with the launch of the new Line 295.

 

This dedicated bus route will connect the Metro A-Line San Dimas station directly to both the Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC campuses, with no other stops in between.

 

This crucial link offers a seamless connection for students commuting from communities along the A-Line, including Arcadia, Monrovia, and Duarte.

 

 

 

 

Buses on Line 295 will run every 20 minutes on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., a schedule designed to accommodate the busy lives of students and faculty.

 

The impact of the Class Pass extends beyond individual campuses, benefiting the entire San Gabriel Valley by reducing traffic congestion and fostering a culture of public transit use.

 

While CPP students use the Class Pass, Mt. SAC students can access the same free rides through the GoPass program.

 

The initiative is a clear signal that local institutions are serious about creating a more connected and accessible region for everyone.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How can Cal Poly Pomona students get a Class Pass?

 

A: All currently enrolled students can get a free Class Pass at the Bronco Recreation and Intramurals Complex (BRIC) with a valid student ID.

 

Q: Does the Class Pass cover all Foothill Transit routes?

 

A: The pass is valid on all local lines and the Silver Streak service but excludes commuter express lines.

 

Q: How does the new Line 295 improve campus access?

 

A: Line 295 provides a direct, express connection from the Metro A-Line at the San Dimas station to both Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC, making rail-to-bus transfers much faster for students.