PORT ANGELES — Clallam Transit’s governing board on Monday approved a blanket bus pass program for Peninsula College students.
“I think it’s good for all parties involved,” said Terry Weed, Clallam Transit general manager.
Commissioners voted 6-0 to approve a one-year interlocal agreement with the college that takes effect this fall. Forks Mayor Bryon Monohon and Forks City Councilman Bruce Guckenberg were absent.
Peninsula students voted 102-13 on June 4 to impose a $5 quarterly fee on students taking at least five course credits.
All Clallam routes
The pass is valid for all Clallam Transit routes.
Weed described the agreement as a win-win for Clallam Transit and Peninsula College.
In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, students will have access to low-cost transportation and less parking pressure at the Port Angeles college, Weed said.
For its part, Clallam Transit expects to generate between $35,000 and $40,000 a year from the new pass.
That compares with the $20,000 generated annually from the current $53 per quarter student bus pass.
July 1 increase
Beginning July 1, the basic fare to ride a Clallam Transit bus will increase from 75 cents to $1 per trip.
Sagging sales tax proceeds, which fund 85 percent of Transit operations, have forced the agency to draw down reserves by $500,000 to $1 million a year.
After kicking around the idea of a blanket bus pass, students put the wheels in motion last winter, when 70 percent of those who answered a survey said they favored the $5 fee.
Between 50 and 200 students are expected to use the passes on a regular basis, college athletics and student programs director Rick Ross has said.
Peninsula College had 1,771 full-time-equivalent students last school year.
For bus routes and schedules, visit the Clallam Transit website at www.clallamtransit.com.
_______
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
