For Immediate Release

17 August 2022

Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) College Ecosmart Pass Program Set To Begin With Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, And CSUMB Starting With Fall 2022 Semester

The 20,623 students of Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, and California State University Monterey Bay are now eligible to ride MST for free. Students this fall will ride MST systemwide for free through the newly named, “MST College EcoSmart Pass Program”.

Additionally, CSUMB has also negotiated with MST to include their nearly 800 faculty and staff to be included in the EcoSmart Pass program.

Previously, funding for free transportation for college students was provided in large part by state grants; however, they are no longer available. Recognizing the importance of transportation for its students, the colleges have partnered with MST to develop a consistent program that can be applied to all three schools, and possibly even expanded to incorporate other colleges in the area.

In addition to connecting students to their place of learning, the opportunity to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles operating in our community is a win for everyone. Students are able to ride for free anywhere, anytime – access to the free transportation is not limited to trips to and from school.

“Working together to connect our community to educational opportunities and provide access to learning – all while being kind to our planet is smart…just like the EcoSmart Pass”, commented MST General Manager/CEO, Carl Sedoryk.

For more information, visit mst.org or call Monterey-Salinas Transit toll-free at 1‑888‑MST‑BUS1 (1‑888‑678‑2871). For RealTime bus arrival information, text “Next” and your four-digit bus stop ID (example, “Next 9103”) to 25370, call 1‑888‑MST‑BUS1 with your four-digit bus stop ID, download the free Transit app, or use Google Maps. Follow MST on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mst_bus for the latest service alerts.

###