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Rio Hondo College News

MEDIA ALERT
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601 / 562-692-0921
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Merle Enriquez   Secretary
Department: Planning and Development
Phone:  (562) 692-0921  Ext. 3412
Rio E-Mail: MEnriquez@riohondo.edu

Article published: Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Whittier Daily News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Rio Hondo proposes student transit plan 2-year pilot program provides bus passes
By Tracy Garcia Staff Writer
 

WHITTIER - Rio Hondo College officials are working on a new public transportation program to coax students out of their cars and possibly avoid having to build expensive new parking structures.

Saying many students are paying more for transportation than tuition, the college is proposing a two-year pilot program that would dole out free bus passes to full-time students, or those taking more than 12 units.

In turn, the college would improve bus shelters and tram service to off-campus bus stops to make bus transportation more convenient for students, officials said.

"It's going to take a couple of years to change people's habits because most everyone is used to driving their own car," said Andy Howard, executive director of planning and development.

"If we increase ridership, we hope to persuade the transit agencies to increase their service. And if there is better service, it will be more frequent and people will be more likely to ride the bus," he added.

Only about 2 percent of the more than 20,000 students who attend Rio Hondo College use public transportation.

Fewer cars on campus also would eliminate the need to create more parking, which would then free up more bond money for new classroom construction, officials said.

Regional traffic and air pollution would also improve, officials added.

"This new program illustrates the importance of integrating student needs and the protection of the environment on our campus," said board President Gary Mendez. "I am pleased the college is committed to making public transportation available."

But while students lauded the college's efforts to help with transportation and the environment, some were unsure whether the new initiative will work.

"It sounds like a good program, I don't know - people like to drive and show off their cars," said Carlos Avilez, 18, of South El Monte.

Howard said the college is negotiating with Foothill Transit, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the Norwalk and Montebello bus lines to purchase bus passes at a significantly discounted rate.

While private and government funds are being sought to pay for the program, the college could also use bond money. Bond funds can be used to mitigate traffic and parking problems caused by construction, which is expected to get under way this summer, Howard said.

At the end of the two years, the college would conduct surveys to measure changes in ridership and develop recommendations for improving bus service, as well as allowing students to vote on a possible transportation fee.

If all goes well, the program could get under way as soon as this fall, Howard said. The full cost of the program has not yet been determined.

Student Estefana Pereta, 18, of South El Monte said she gets a ride to Rio Hondo but is working toward buying a car - at which point, she would definitely drive to campus, not take the bus.

"Those who have cars want to drive," she said. "The program is a good idea, but I'm not sure the students will like it. I think they like having their cars and being able to go out and do other things after class."

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-RHC-

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