Student ridership numbers up for Victor Valley Transit Authority
The Victor Valley Transit Authority announced significant ridership numbers for its fare-free public transportation initiative, aimed at enhancing accessibility and affordability for students in the Victor Valley area.
Due to funding and support from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the transportation program continued through the last school year, according to the Hesperia-based transit authority.
During that time, the program benefited local Kindergarten to 12 grade students for the first time.
The transit authority also extended its other fare-free programs for the 11th consecutive year to Victor Valley College students and for a third year to California State University, San Bernardino students.
During the current school year, from Aug. 7, 2023, to June 6, 2024, Victor Valley Transit provided fare-free trips to 228,578 student riders.
The “impressive figure” included 109,797 rides by Victor Valley College students, 6,244 rides by CSUSB students, and 112,537 rides by K-12 students, transit authority officials stated.
Victor Valley Transit Authority Board Chair James Noble emphasized the significance of this program.
"Providing free transportation to our students underscores our commitment to education and the community,” Noble stated. “We believe that removing transportation barriers will enable students to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.”
Victor Valley Transit Authority CEO Nancie Goff echoed Noble’s sentiments, highlighting the broader impact of the programs.
"This continues to be a game-changer for our community," Goff said. "By offering free rides to students, we are investing in the future of Victor Valley. We are proud to play a part in the educational journey of our students and pathways to their success."
The free transportation program is available to all K-12 students and Victor Valley College students on any of Victor Valley Transit’s fixed and county routes.
Students attending California State University, San Bernardino can also ride “VVTA’s Route 15” fare-free and utilize the “Howling Express” line, which departs from the university on weekdays at 5:53 p.m. and travels directly to the Victor Valley Transportation Center in downtown Victorville.
Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 school year, Victor Valley Transit encourages all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to ease their daily commutes and fully engage in their academic pursuits, agency officials said.
Victor Valley Transit officials said its agency remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the region through innovative and inclusive transportation solutions.
For more information about these programs and other services provided by Victor Valley Transit Authority, visit vvta.org or contact the agency’s customer service at 760-948-4021.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Student ridership numbers up for Victor Valley Transit Authority
