Janice Daniels
Staff Writer
Students Ride (Practically) Free With Student ID
RABA PHOTOS HERE: http://lancestories.blogspot.com/2011/01/raba-photos.html
Need a ride? Well, this semester, RABA (Redding Area Bus Authority) has teamed up with Shasta College, providing students with the option of saving a bit of money on usual transportation costs.
In order to do so, all that is necessary is a one-time payment of $10 for a student ID card, which can be purchased by visiting the business office in the 100 building.
What many may not know, is that this Shasta College and RABA collaboration has been a work in progress.“Both parties [RABA and Shasta College] worked together for several years trying to link the student ID card with RABA.” Said Student Senate President Marcus Webber “With the help of some great leadership during the fall semester on the part of my predecessor, Tim Sain, and participation from many in the Student Senate, we were finally able to work out the details with RABA for a one semester trial run.”
Not only can students use their ID card to go to and from the college, but they can also use it to go all over town on any RABA bus they choose. The regular ride price for RABA is $1.50 one-way, so for a student going to and from campus, that's easily $3.00 a day.
Also, the regular price for a monthly RABA pass is around $48.00. See how it could all add up? Compared to these prices, $10 is practically nothing.
“I have lived in Redding for over 20 years and had never used RABA prior to the collaboration. Now I'm riding the bus all the time. I think it's a great way to get people used to thinking about our public transit system as a real option.” Said Student Ryan Locke.
Another benefit of this new service is that it encourages sustainability. Many students drive back and forth everyday without carpooling, which is not only expensive, but bad for the environment. “It requires less fuel to transport a bus load of students to and from the college than if each student drove themselves.
Plus students that ride with RABA don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot when they get to the campus! By lowering the opportunity cost of attending Shasta College and riding with RABA, the community will have less pollution, less traffic congestion, and gain a higher number of educated community members.
All of these things are beneficial to the surrounding community.” Added Webber. This bus service isn't guaranteed for next semester, but if enough students take advantage of it this semester, who knows what could happen.
Whether or not a student wants to utilize the RABA, purchasing an ID card is still a good idea because it not only gets one free discounts at certain local restaurants, but it also benefits the school. “The revenue generated when students pay the voluntary Student Activity Fee helps to fund student activities, scholarships, Shasta College clubs, and other student-related services. The more Student ID cards the Senate is able to sell, the more activities we are able to offer back to students.” Added Webber.
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