Santa Ynez Valley Transit has announced the launch of its limited-time Summer Youth Pass (SYP) in May 2018. The twenty-dollar pass provides unlimited rides during the month of purchase and is available to riders six to 20 years old for use in June, July, and August. Purchasers are pleasantly surprised by the affordability and convenience of the SYP.
“Families see posters about the SYP at the library or ads in the newspaper, and come to the SYVT office excited to purchase them,” said Kelley Rigoni, dispatch officer at the SYVT office in Solvang. “Everyone who has purchased a pass tells me what a great idea it is because it allows youth in the area to enjoy affordable, safe, and convenient travel.” The SYP can be purchased by parents of young riders age six and over. Middle school, high school, and college-aged youth can also purchase passes at the SYVT Office located at 431 Second Street, Suite 9, in Solvang.
In conjunction with the SYP, SYVT also published an Activities Guide just in time for summer (available for free on the bus or at the SYVT office, local libraries, and the YMCA). This guide lists popular destinations and corresponding SYVT bus stops on a convenient and easy-to-read map created for children, teens, parents, and caregivers to locate and access destinations in the area via SYVT. Highlighted destinations on the Activity Guide include Sunny Fields Park, Parks Plaza Theater, the Wildling Museum, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, and the Performing Arts Theater.
As of July 1, all SYVT riders will enjoy increased access to locations suggested on the Activities Guide and more with improved bus service. Enhancements will include eight trips from Solvang to Los Olivos (with connections from Buellton) to better accommodate working commuters and increased service from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School to Los Olivos to better accommodate the travel needs of students. Some bus stops will be changed to support these service improvements.
