Free Ride Program Extended Another Year

A program that gives free bus rides to college students and area youth just got extended for another year. That’s good news for young riders needing a lift around town, to school, work or home. While many schools and businesses remain shuttered due to the pandemic, there are encouraging signs that reopening could be around the corner. And when they do, RTA buses will be there. Funded by a state grant, the promotion gives free rides to any youth 18 and under as well as students at Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Riverside City College and UC Riverside. RTA began offering free rides back in August and the program was expected to expire in July. Because ridership has been anchored by the pandemic, RTA still has enough resources to push the free rides through summer 2022.