'BC Ride For Free' returns for students

For the second year in a row, Kern Transit will be offering free rides to all enrolled Bakersfield College students with a valid student ID on all 100-numbered routes.

Free rides begin when the fall semester starts on Saturday, Aug. 24, and continues through the end of finals week on Saturday, Dec. 14. The program resumes again when the spring semester starts in January 2020.

Using Kern Transit eliminates the challenges students face with traffic and parking, providing a stress-free ride that can also provide extra study time. Additionally, students may ride free on all 100-numbered routes, not just on routes to and from the school, saving money by commuting all around Kern County.

"Kern Transit is extremely happy that we can continue this free ridership program for a second academic year for all enrolled BC students. We love that students are also learning the value of regional transportation and the role it can play in improving air quality for us now and into the future," said Bob Neath, public works manager for Kern Transit.

BC students have used the Kern Transit free ride service over 25,000 times since the program started last fall. Some students have taken the free rides to BC from as far away as Tehachapi, Delano and Frazier Park. These efforts are funded by a grant from the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program, which provides operating and capital assistance for transit agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emission and improve mobility, with a priority of serving disadvantaged communities.

“I’m very thankful to Kern Transit for offering free rides to BC students. It’s made my life a lot easier. Now I don’t have to scramble to find cash to gas up my car, or search for parking before class,” said Bakersfield College student Demitrius Daniel. “Last year I was able to use the time on the ride to do homework, study for my exams or just relax from a long day. I was able to really utilize my time management skills,” he added.

Kern Transit provides passenger bus service between and in the rural communities of Kern County. There are 16 fixed transit routes, and Dial-A-Ride service available in most communities. Kern Transit is committed to offering affordable alternatives to commuters in the form of convenient, environmentally friendly public transportation. For more information about services and routes, visit KernTransit.org or call 800-323-2396.

—Kern County Transit