Laney Tower

Issue date: 11/26/08 Last update: 11/25/08 at 5:24 PM PST Section: News

Did you know full-time Peralta students can get a semester-long AC Transit bus pass for only $50? A lot of students do. A lot of students have.

Over 1200 students have already taken advantage of the new Peralta EasyPass program. The one-year pilot program allows any full-time student-with 12 or more units-attending the Peralta Colleges to receive an "EasyPass." The pass is good for unlimited rides on AC Transit, including Transbay service. Any line, anytime.

Full fare adult 31-day local ride passes for AC Transit cost $70 per month. Single-ride tickets cost $1.75, with the optional 25 cent transfer that is good for one use within an hour and a half time frame. Transbay passes cost $116 per month.

With the EasyPass, which uses the new Translink regional fare card, you no longer need to opposed to fumble through your pockets for loose change or a monthly pass you have to stick into the machine. Students can simply "tag" the EasyPass and board. The program saves you time, as well as money. In fact, Peralta students have collectively saved nearly half a million dollars with the new EasyPass program.

Even students who illegally purchase the 31-day Youth pass-and we know who you are-will save money with the EasyPass.

Last spring semester, Peralta students-including this writer-testified before California State Assembly and Senate hearings in favor of Assembly Bill AB1980, the Peralta Transportation Accessibility Act, sponsored by Assembly Member and former ASLC President Sandre Swanson (D-Oakland). AB 1980, which was signed by the governor in July, will allow Peralta students to vote on a permanent program.

The current pilot program that was approved by the Peralta Board of Trustees in May of this year will end next fall. It is expected that the referendum-student vote-will happen spring 2009 during the regular student elections.

AC Transit and Peralta will soon negotiate to establish the cost for the new program, student eligibility, and more. Student input is needed.

If you are interested in volunteering on the Peralta AC Transit Student Advisory Committee, contact Reginald James at (510) 891-4858 or email rjames@actransit.org

For more information about the Peralta EasyPass program, visit http://www.peralta.edu/easypass

Reginald James is a former Peralta Student Trustee. He worked with others to establish the pilot program, and now he interns at AC Transit.

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