By Jen Forse | Staff Writer
Students can now ride Waco Public Transit’s 10 city-fixed routes for free through a yearlong pilot program funded by Baylor’s Student Body Government.
Students need their Baylor student ID to ride the city’s fixed-route buses. The program, which began this semester, aims to make transportation around Waco more accessible, particularly for students without a car.
DeRidder, Louisiana, senior and Student Body President Ashlyn Graves said the pilot program will last a year; however, if it is successful, it could lead to a long-term agreement between Baylor and Waco Public Transit.
The idea for the program began with Mason Gregory, a current first-year grad student from Plainview, and is now led by Westport, Connecticut, senior and student regent Spencer Yim. Graves said the two recognized a need for transportation among students who may not have vehicles.
“They thought it would be helpful, specifically for international, out-of-state and grad students, because those populations tend to not have a car,” Graves said.
Graves said the program is funded through the Student Body Government’s budget. While the current funding is limited to the pilot year, she said a successful program could lead to other funding opportunities, including support from Student Life or an outside donor.
The Student Body Government worked alongside Student Life to promote the program. Information about the service has been included in new student experiences for international students, and both organizations have advertised the pilot through social media.
Graves said routes connecting students to grocery stores or a doctor’s office would be particularly useful.
“It’s a tangible way we can help students,” Graves said. “On the first day of class, I met many students who were excited when I informed them about the program.”
South Terrace Route 9 has several stops both within and near campus. The route stops near the Armstrong Browning Library and South Russell Residence Hall along Dutton Avenue and connects students to destinations including Shorty’s Pizza, the Valley Mills HEB and Downtown Transit Terminal.
Route 9 operates Monday through Friday 5:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 6:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. Waco Public Transit’s fixed routes do not operate on Sunday.
Students can track buses through the Waco Transit System app, available on Apple or Android.
Greeley, Colorado, freshman Karis Gamblin said the program could help students from outside Texas while also giving students a way to explore Waco beyond campus.
“I love to explore and just experience somewhere else,” Gamblin said. “I think I will definitely use the Waco Public Transport system to explore Waco and see what there is outside the Baylor bubble.”
