Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Also approves an intergovernmental agreement with City Colleges of Chicago for the transfer of two CTA buses to be used at Olive Harvey College for new transportation-related courses offered by its “College to Careers” initiative.

California State University Long Beach signed a new three-year agreement with Long Beach Transit that will allow the entire campus year-round access to the city’s U-Pass program, starting May 26.

The ABQ RIDE's UNM bus pass program provides free bus rides for students, staff and faculty. Only a school I.D. is needed, along with the sticker provided by the Transportation Information Center.

The university, which is first trying to garner interest for the program on campus and in the community, has considered a U-Pass in the past, but has never been able to negotiate a price that is acceptable to students.

New contract does away with the former agreement, under which a $35,000 annual lump-sum payment — underwritten by student fees and a portion of University parking fees — was paid to Metro in exchange for unlimited bus rides for students, faculty and staff.

With many universities around the nation providing transportation to its students, faculty and staff, the summer break poses an interesting dilemma since there are significantly fewer people on campus. However, there is still a need for summer transportation and late night services, which could be costly to provide for universities and local transit agencies.

Service allows students, faculty and staff to ride Long Beach Transit or Passport shuttles for free by swiping their ID cards. California State University, Long Beach officials are confident the service will return in the fall.

Opening of a south extension to the system in 2009 has given ridership numbers a huge boost.