Students Vote for Transportation Fee to Support Bus Passes and Expanded Services
KENTFIELD, CA — As part of College of Marin’s annual student-government elections, an item on this year’s ballot establishes the foundation for a new partnership with Marin Transit to improve transit service to its campuses and provide bus passes for local transit services. With 72 percent approval, College of Marin students voted in favor of a semester-based transportation fee for all students enrolled in one or more units of credit or noncredit instruction.
The new fee will fund free bus passes for College of Marin students allowing them to ride local buses operated by Marin Transit. The passes, issued on a per semester basis, will be valid during the enrollment period. In addition to free access to all current transit services, Marin Transit and College of Marin are planning further expansion of services to meet the needs of students. Potential service enhancements include a new direct shuttle from the Kentfield Campus to the San Rafael Transit Center in Downtown San Rafael.
Jonathan Eldridge, College of Marin’s vice president of student services and student learning, expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of COM students who have shown that they are willing to do what it takes to support transit access for their fellow students. “With this step, students at both campuses have shown their support for free access to transit, more direct transit services that will help them meet their educational goals, and a commitment to sustainability by reducing the number of single-occupant vehicles on Marin County roads.” Marin Transit’s General Manager, Nancy Whelan, agreed. “This partnership is an historic opportunity that will improve student access to the COM campuses and enable students to ride free within the county on any Marin Transit route.”
The fee per semester for fall and spring will be $3 per unit up to 12 units, with a maximum amount of $35 for 12 units or more. The fee for summer semester will be $4.50 per unit up to four units, with a maximum amount of $18 for four units or more. The College’s Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. At that meeting, they will be asked to approve the transportation fee based on the election results.
About Marin Transit Formed by vote in 1964, the Marin County Transit District (Marin Transit) is responsible for providing local public transit and paratransit services to residents throughout Marin County. Marin Transit contracts with service providers, including Golden Gate Transit, Marin Airporter, Whistlestop Wheels, and MV Transportation, to carry out its bus, paratransit, shuttle and other transportation services. For more information, visit marintransit.org.
About College of Marin College of Marin has been providing exceptional educational opportunities for students of all ages since fall 1926. With campuses in Kentfield and Novato, the College is one of 112 public community colleges in California accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Over 9,000 credit, noncredit, and community education students enroll each fall and spring semester. The College has earned a reputation as a quality educational institution providing a pathway for achievement and success for students of all ages and from all walks of life.