Thanks to a partnership with San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) and Stockton Unified School District (SUSD), a two-year pilot program has launched to provide 7-12 graders complimentary transit service 365 days a year, so they can get to school, after-school programs, community centers, libraries, jobs, medical appointments and more.
"SUSD is excited and thankful for the partnership with RTD," said Superintendent John Deasy. "The no-cost two-year pilot program is critical toward the support of our youth and the reduction of absenteeism in our schools."
SUSD 7-12 grade students can show their student photo ID to ride RTD vehicles at no cost to themselves beginning August 1, excluding the commuter and RTD Van Go! services. Coming soon, students with cellular phones will be able to download the Token Transit app for their complimentary transit trips.
"A lack of adequate transportation should never be a barrier to obtaining a good education," said RTD CEO Donna DeMartino. "RTD is very fortunate to have so many advocates in our community, including SUSD Superintendent Deasy, who understand the value of mobility in unlocking many doors of opportunity. I also want to thank the RTD Board of Directors and SUSD Board of Trustees for supporting this partnership."
Other cities throughout the country such as Minneapolis and Seattle have launched subsidized transit programs for students. These efforts have proven to not only improve air quality and decrease the need for additional parking structures but have also been instrumental in increasing student attendance and bolstering grade point averages (GPA) in some circumstances. With SUSD's increased financial commitment to transportation, RTD will track statistics related to ridership, attendance and GPA during this two-year pilot program. Encouraged by this initial partnership with SUSD, RTD is reaching out to additional community leaders and organizations who may be interested in seeing this program expand to other schools within San Joaquin County.
