The Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) are offering fare-free services to help residents have better access to public transit.
VVTA to provide fare-free bus service for college students
VVTA is partnering with Barstow Community College (BCC) to provide fare-free bus service to BCC students. As of July 1, 2025, all currently enrolled BCC students with a valid summer or fall 2025 student ID are now eligible to ride VVTA’s fixed routes, county routes and Route 15, completely free of charge.
The initiative makes BCC the latest institution to join VVTA’s successful fare-free college transit program alongside Victor Valley College and California State University, San Bernardino students. By removing the cost of transportation, the program ensures that more students can access college campuses, academic support services and employment opportunities—regardless of income or access to a personal vehicle.
“In our region, transportation is key for our students to achieve their educational goals,” said BCC Basic Needs Center Director Magaly Rojas. “With our partner from VVTA, we will guarantee that transportation is not an obstacle. BCC is creating a route for success for all the students.”
VVTA notes the fare-free transit program is part of a broader effort to expand educational equity and economic mobility across the Victor Valley. The ability to travel between campuses, job sites and community resources can have a significant impact on a student’s success and quality of life.
“For over a decade, VVTA has supported student riders across the High Desert,” said VVTA CEO Nancie Goff. “Welcoming Barstow Community College into our fare-free family expands that legacy and reaffirms our commitment to the success of every student we serve.”
In addition to serving students within the city of Barstow, Calif., VVTA’s County Routes provide vital connections for students living in outlying communities, including Hinkley, Lenwood, Newberry Springs and Daggett. The routes ensure that students from across the High Desert have reliable access to Barstow Community College’s Barstow campus, helping bridge the gap between rural areas and higher education.
VVTA notes Route 15 is a vital corridor that connects Barstow to Victorville and San Bernardino, offering access to Victor Valley College, Cal State University San Bernardino and other educational institutions and career opportunities. Fixed and county routes provide reliable service throughout Barstow and surrounding areas, giving students convenient options for commuting to class or community activities.
“As both VVTA Board Chair and a proud resident of Barstow, I’m thrilled to see this investment in our students,” said VVTA Board Chair and Barstow City Coucilmember James Noble. “Transportation should never be a barrier to education. This partnership with Barstow Community College is another step in our ongoing effort to connect students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
PSTA to offer unlimited transit rides for Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital employees
PSTA and the Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital are launching a Universal Pass (UPASS) agreement, offering unlimited free transit rides for Orlando Health employees across Pinellas County, Fla. PSTA says under the agreement, more than 2,000 Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital employees and contractors now join 3,500 additional healthcare workers in Pinellas County who already save money with free transit access through UPASS.
“This is a powerful way to push back against the affordability crisis, especially for our neighbors we count on to be there for us in the healthcare industry,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “In total, more than 5,000 healthcare workers in Pinellas will now be covered by a UPASS agreement. That’s more than 5,000 people who can save money with every single trip to work or around town.”
PSTA notes Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital team members can now simply show their work IDs to ride PSTA’s fixed-route buses and trolleys, including the SunRunner, at no cost. The agreement offers unlimited free transit rides to employees at all Orlando Health locations in Pinellas County including:
- Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
- Orlando Health Emergency Room - Crossroads
- Orlando Health Emergency Room - Pinellas Park
About the Author
Brandon Lewis
Associate Editor
Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor. He is also a co-host of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast.