Wheels and ACE Rail Partner with Las Positas College to Offer Students Savings
The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) has recently announced a new partnership with ACE rail and Las Positas College (LPC) to make access to the college quick and easy for students. The partnership includes a free Easy Pass for students valid on all Wheels bus routes - including the new Rapid route serving the college every 15 minutes throughout the day and linking students to BART and ACE rail. To complement the Easy Pass, ACE rail service is offering a 50% discount on monthly and 20-ride fare for LPC students. The convenient Easy Pass and ACE rail discount will run August 13, 2016 through the summer of 2017.
“The partnership is a game changer for the college,” said LPC President Barry Russell. “Nearly 9,000 students will have improved travel options and the college community will benefit from less traffic congestion and parking problems.”
Once students are on board the Rapid, they simply show the bus operator their valid LPC student ID, which functions as the Easy Pass and they can enjoy direct and easy bus service to the college free of charge. Wheels has improved service to the college with a Rapid bus arriving every 15 minutes throughout the day and has extended their evening service to accommodate a variety of class schedules. Students using the Rapid will enjoy hybrid-electric buses with bike racks, upgraded seating, and near future Wi-Fi. The bus stops at the campus will feature a modern, glass design with solar lighting and real-time next bus arrival notifications. Finally, Wheels will be introducing a convenient phone app early in the fall.
“Why drive to Las Positas College?” asked Steven Spedowfski, chair of the Wheels Board of Directors. “With a great looking Rapid bus coming every 15 minutes on campus the connection with BART and ACE trains is quick and convenient – I don’t have the parking hassles and expenses. In fact, my options expand as to what I can get accomplished during my commute.”
ACE rail serves stops in Stockton, Lathrop/Manteca, and Tracy before stopping at the downtown Livermore Transit Center Train. Amenities include accommodations for bicycles, restrooms, and dim-lit cars for quiet and relaxation.
“With one-third of Las Positas students commuting from San Joaquin County, this is a partnership that makes a lot of sense. Imagine saving over $72 on a monthly pass from Tracy to LPC. This is a tremendous partnership that helps students who are often financially struggling as they manage their studies.” stated ACE Chair, Bob Johnson.
