Looking to go somewhere new and reduce your carbon emissions? Students can now ride on Metrolink trains for free, thanks to the new pilot program Student Adventure Pass. This program launched Oct. 9 and is available to K-12 and university students with a valid student email.
Metrolink trains connect the university campus with many destinations across Southern California, including downtown Redlands, Los Angeles, Oceanside and Anaheim. The on-campus Metrolink station is located on University St. behind Ann Peppers Hall and the Theatre building.
In order to use this free pass, students need to download the Metrolink mobile app and create an account using their Redlands email. The pass will be shown in the ticket wallet after the student has verified their email. Student Adventure Pass can be used to go anywhere Metrolink runs in Southern California, including transfers. Students can also get the free pass at in-person ticket kiosks by selecting Student/Youth tickets.
Before boarding, riders must activate the pass found in the ticket wallet and present their student ID when prompted by the conductor. The ticket needs to be reactivated each time the student rides.
According to a press release, Metrolink Board Chair Larry McCallon says currently only 17% of Metrolink riders are students. McCallon says the Student Adventure Pass aims to “introduce a new generation of potential riders to public transit as a safe and convenient mode of transportation for school, leisure and work.”
Student Adventure Pass is funded through California Department of Transportation’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). Dot.ca.gov says that LCTOP aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase public transit accessibility and use, especially for those in disadvantaged communities.
The pass is available through March 31, 2024 or until grant funding runs out.
Photo by Anika Tabassum.
Adelaide Hubble is a freshman majoring in environmental studies and minoring in spatial studies. She enjoys writing about club events and any important issues on campus. Adelaide is from Las Vegas and likes to listen to 80s/90s alternative rock and explore coffee shops in her free time.
