Laney's 'Welcome Back Bash' informs students of programs and resources
Peralta students are on the bus and saving money
Wilson Cheng
Issue date: 9/4/08 Last update: 9/27/08 at 11:34 AM PST
Section: News
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Full-time students are eligible to receive an AC Transit bus pass for $50 per semester. A 31-day adult pass regularly costs $70 per month. More information is available at http://www.peralta.edu/easypass
AB 1980, the Peralta College Transportation Accessibility Act will allow the district to assess a fee on full-time students in order to provide subsidized bus passes to those who qualify. Currently, only students taking 12 or more units will qualify to take part in the program.
AB 1980, which passed the State Assembly on May 5, 2008, was unveiled by Assemblyman Sandre R. Swanson (D-Oakland) at a press conference at Laney College. The district plans on testing the program at its four colleges (Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College). With the passage of the program, the district intends to assist students to remain in school and fulfill their dreams of acquiring a college degree.
The one thing that should be clear to everybody involved in this project is that "in this era of rising gas prices, public transit is quickly becoming the preferable option for students to get to class and work," Swanson said. " However, bus passes can cost up to $116 per month on AC Transit. By assessing a low fee on all students, the Peralta Colleges can provide students with bus passes that offer unlimited rides, saving individuals up to nearly $1,300 per year in transportation costs. For many students, particularly those who are working and supporting families, a savings of this size has an incredible impact on their budget." Said Swanson in his press release on May 6, 2008.
Although AB 1980 passed, and both AC Transit and the district agreeing to terms about the pilot program, it is important to know that every student in any of the four colleges within the district will be given the opportunity to vote on whether to continue the program. Current laws prohibits community college districts to assess any additional fees other than tuition fees on the entire student body, but the districts can require a transportation service fee upon majority approval of the student body. However, existing law (section 76361.1 of the education code) authorizes the governing boards of the Los Rios and Rio Hondo community college districts, upon majority approval of the student body, to require a transportation service fee be paid by all students.
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