Transpo and SB Schools extend free ride program

Program provides free rides for high school students
Posted on 08/12/2019
Buses

The South Bend Public Transportation Corporation (Transpo) and the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) announce a new partnership to extend the summer travel program for high school students within Transpo’s current service area. Students attending John Adams High School, Riley High School, Washington High School and Rise Up Academy will be able to ride any Transpo fixed route bus for free during the first semester (August 15 to December 20, 2019).

“The free bus rides for high school students will provide more flexibility for students’ schedules to accommodate after-school jobs, weekend recreation, or if they need to come to school early or stay late at school,” said Superintendent Dr. C. Todd Cummings. “We’re grateful to our partners at Transpo for extending this service.”

Cummings stressed that this new program will not replace the students’ regular school bus, but will allow other transportation options.

Transpo introduced their free K-12 Summer Travel Program in 2018. Since last summer, the program provided over 47,000 free rides (through August 7, 2019) to summer school, employment, and recreational opportunities. The first-semester pilot program for high school students in South Bend capitalizes on the success and familiarity of the Summer Travel Program.

Students will need to board the Transpo bus at their designated bus stops at their regularly scheduled times. Transpo buses run every thirty or sixty minutes. Students may review the routes at: http://sbtranspo.com/. Transpo’s Information Line is also available at 574-233-2131 to assist with trip planning.

“We are excited to build on the success of the Summer Travel program and offer another transportation option for high school students this fall,” said Amy Hill, Transpo General Manager & CEO. “The program also provides students the opportunity to see the ease and convenience of public transportation first hand.”

All Transpo routes are open to the public and subject to capacity limitations. This means that students are not guaranteed a spot on the bus and should plan their trip accordingly. Transpo buses are wheelchair accessible; space is available on a first come, first served basis. Routes servicing the high schools participating in the program are:

  • John Adams High School, Route 9 Northside / Mishawaka
  • Riley High School, Route 8 Miami / Scottsdale
  • Rise Up Academy, Routes 1 Madison / Mishawaka, 7 Notre Dame / UP Mall and Route 13 Corby / Town & Country
  • Washington High School, Route 10 Western Avenue

Clay High School is outside of the Transpo service area

Following the first-semester pilot program, Transpo and SBCSC will review results and determine program options for the future.

Contacts

Susan Guibert, SBCSC Executive Director of Public Affairs, 574-393-6178 or [email protected].

Amy Hill, Transpo General Manager & CEO, 574-239-2305 or [email protected]