The Santa Rosa Junior College Student Government Assembly passed a resolution committing $30,000 to continue the free county-wide college student bus program Nov. 17 and the college matched the student reserve contribution. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors pledged the remaining ongoing annual funding to allow college students and veterans to ride the Sonoma County Transit for free through December 2016.

“Although it is unfortunate that the school has to be the one to put up this much funding, that more funding is not available at the county level. Overall, it really is an incredible service and a wonderful opportunity for the SGA to really support the students in a way they haven’t really been able to before,” said SGA Chair Joshua Pinaula.

“This program has proven successful in mitigating access barriers to education,” said Robert Ethington, dean of student affairs and engagement programs. “It’s an investment in our students, and the Santa Rosa Junior College is proud to be a partner supporting the 2016 program.”

In 2016, county and transportation experts expect the program to cost $323,792. The estimated fares for veterans total $28,134, with a one-time funding from the Veterans Service Office and a county contribution of $18,134. The estimated fares for college students are $295,658, with $60,000 from SRJC, $17,500 from Sonoma State University and a county contribution of $218,158.

The service allows free access to Sonoma County Transit for all students attending SRJC or SSU, and for all veterans with an ID card.