Thursday, July 27, 2017

Valencia College and LYNX today signed an agreement that will allow the college’s students and employees to ride the LYNX bus system for free. Currently, approximately 650 passengers each school day ride the bus to and from Valencia’s campuses, riders who might not otherwise have transportation to classes and work.

“We think this will ease the financial burden on students and employees for whom transportation is a major issue,” said Sandy Shugart, president of Valencia.

Student Celeste Felix-Colon, who takes the bus from her home in Intercession City to Valencia’s Osceola Campus, said she was thrilled by the news, particularly since she’s no longer eligible for Lynx’s youth pass discount. “I turn 19 in September and was expecting to pay $50 per month for unlimited passes. Because of this, I’ll be relieved of a $600 burden this year.”

“Public transportation is about providing access, which in turn affords opportunity for the entire community,” said LYNX CEO Edward Johnson. “With this partnership, together we will be removing a hurdle for Valencia students by providing them a mode of opportunity to make a difference in the Central Florida region.”

Under the agreement, Valencia will provide funding for bus service for its students and employees, to include all LYNX routes and NeighborLink routes during times in which LYNX is in service. In addition, LYNX will add a bus route to Valencia’s Lake Nona Campus, rerouting the existing Link 406 from downtown Orlando to Lake Nona. Previously, there was no bus stop on the Lake Nona Campus.

To ride the bus, all students and employees will have to do is show their Valencia ID card, which will have a sticker provided by the college that’s good for one academic year. Stickers will be available beginning August 23 at any Valencia campus security office.

“We believe that those who would not otherwise use LYNX will take advantage of the free transit. If just 250 students take one additional class as a result of this, the model pays for itself in tuition,” said Shugart.

Tags: bus, bus pass, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, CFRTA, college affordability, college students, KnightLYNX, LYMMO, Lynx, NeighborLink, orange county, Orlando, Osceola County, transit, transportation, Valencia College