On Oct. 9, 2023 Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider launched a reliable transportation program for any Southern California students with a valid student ID to travel anywhere on the Metrolink system for free. Although the program was originally meant to be limited-time only, a press release by Metrolink announced in June 2024 that the program will be extended until June 30, 2025. In order to access a pass, students can download the Metrolink app and register with a student email address, activate their pass, and show their student ID when riding the train.
“The program has delivered much-needed financial relief for tens of thousands of Southern California students who can apply those cost savings to food, rent and other educational expenses such as books and school supplies,” said Tem Larry McCallon, Metrolink Board Chair and City of Highland Mayor Pro in a press release.
According to their website, The Student Adventure Pass is made possible through grant funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
This program can be very resourceful and beneficial for students who may be currently spending money on other types of transportation like Uber or Lyft. Based on the Uber website, many data points go into calculating an upfront price, including the estimated trip time and distance from origin to destination, as well as demand patterns for that route at that time. It also includes any applicable tolls, taxes, surcharges, and fees (with the exception of wait time fees).
“It’s not just about commuting to an internship or to school. We also want people to know that you can use it for leisure travel,” said Erika Cortez, communications intern of Metrolink.
Metrolink’s data reports that more than 32,000 students from 557 schools have registered for the program using Metrolink’s Mobile App, and mobile activations represent 55% of Student Adventure Pass usage to date.
Specific to Fullerton College since the launch of the Student Adventure Pass program through Sept. 5, there have been a total of 430 activations, 55 total accounts, and 20 total active accounts.
“There’s definitely lots of room to grow so of course we’d love to partner with you all to help spread the word about the SAP,” said Cortez.
Metrolink isn’t just limited to offering transportation through train; the ticket is valid to use on city bus, shuttle bus, light rail, and subway lines. Aside from Orange County, there are connections to other transit services like Los Angeles and San Bernardino. More information on other locations and guidelines can be found on the website.
“We want the train to pop into their head as an option the same way a car would pop in,” said Meredith Yeoman, public relations manager for Metrolink. “Using the student adventure pass helps them get just really comfortable with public transportation.”
