ALEX HOBEN

Trinity Metro bus driver Harold Riley behind the wheel at the South Campus bus stop. Students with an ID can ride for free.

For nearly seven years, TCC students have had access to free public transportation through the EasyRide program—a resource that allows thousands to save money and navigate the city.

The program allows all eligible students, which the TCC website classifies as students enrolled in at least three credit hours or 48 continuing education hours, to use their student ID cards as a free pass.

Eligible students can access Trinity Metro buses, MINIMOVERS, On-Demand rideshare vans, TEXRail and the Trinity Railway Express by swiping their student ID in the farebox or showing their ID to conductors.

However, the program does not extend to students in College for Kids, Senior Education, Dual Credit or Early College High School. Trinity River Campus student Alexandria Williams has been riding the bus for two years and said her perception of public transportation has changed over time.

“There aren’t many downsides,” she said. “At first, I worried about cleanliness and safety, but now I feel comfortable riding regularly.”

She said the buses are generally punctual, with delays occurring only due to traffic or other uncontrollable circumstances.

Students are not limited to TCC locations. They can use their student ID to get free rides anywhere the local transit services go, all week long.

A map and more information on bus and On-Demand service routes can be found on TCC’s website under the public transportation section.

Trinity Metro also offers a paratransit service for individuals with verified disabilities that prevent them from using regular city bus services.

It provides door-to-door transportation on a fixed daily schedule, with the first passenger pickup starting at 4:20 a.m. Monday-Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sundays with the last pickup at 11:15 p.m. daily.

Students interested in the paratransit service must complete an application and be certified as a paratransit passenger.

To begin the application process to use those services students can visit Ride Trinity Metro. Nicole Adams, strategic partnership manager for Trinity Metro, said the program is possible thanks to a grant from the North Texas Council of Governments, a voluntary association that assists local governments with regional planning.

“COG covers the fare for TCC students,” she said. “Every month, whatever that cost is, it is invoiced and sent to COG. TCC has agreed to match that, and whatever the total is goes into the TCC scholarship fund.”

She said on average, TCC bus stops have more than 5,500 rides each month, with fixed bus route services arriving every 15-30 minutes and On-Demand services

able to have a unit arrive in about 12-15 minutes. Harold Riley has been a Trinity Metro bus driver for 17 years. He said that in his experience, he doesn’t notice many students taking advantage of their free passes.

“I know all the routes and know what customers are getting on and off. I don’t see many students riding,” he said. “The buses don’t go down into neighborhoods, but our On-Demand service does.”

The On-Demand service is accessible through the GoPass app. The app allows students to book rideshare vans, plan trips and track estimated wait times and ride details, according to the TCC website.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Trinity Railway Express reported 142,200 unlinked passenger trips, a 6.77% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year, according to a public rideshare report by the American Public Transportation Association.

Despite the program’s benefits, some students may be unaware of it or find it inconvenient. Riley’s observation suggests that increasing awareness and accessibility could encourage more participation.

South campus student Jason Roshto agreed with the sentiment, saying more people should ride the bus.

“I’ve been riding the bus since April and haven’t encountered any challenges,” he said. “I recommend people show up five minutes early and use the GoPass app. It’s the most accurate as far as the arrival time and it’s more reliable than google maps.”