Pueblo Community College (PCC) students now have access to free rides on Pueblo Transit buses through a new partnership between the college and the city’s transit system. The program allows all PCC students to ride at no cost by presenting their student ID, aiming to reduce transportation barriers and support student success.
“Access to education should never be limited by something as basic as transportation, and we’re deeply grateful to our college leadership and Pueblo Transit for making this possible,” said PCC Basic Needs Coordinator Matthew Aubuchon. “This is about more than convenience; it’s a commitment to removing barriers and empowering students to succeed. Whether it’s getting to class, heading to work, or staying connected to the community, this program ensures our students have one more reason to keep going.”
The initiative is funded by a federal Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Basic Needs grant that PCC received in December. The agreement was finalized in late September between the Pueblo Transit Board of Directors and PCC officials, with the program launching in early October. Under the three-year partnership, PCC will provide $50,000 annually to Pueblo Transit so students can use city buses at any time during operating hours.
Director of Pueblo Transit Ben Valdez commented on the partnership: “This new commitment to free rides for PCC students is exciting for the campus and for our community. We have had partnerships with PCC for a long time, which have included making bus stops more accessible on campus or improving routes to meet their needs. It is impressive to see PCC’s commitment to success for students by removing the financial transportation barrier to make their lives as students easier and more attainable.”
Currently enrolled PCC students can access free rides simply by showing their valid student ID. The benefit applies not only for travel to and from campus but also for other personal transportation needs within the city.
Aubuchon added that similar efforts are underway at PCC’s Fremont and Southwest campuses, aiming to extend free public transportation access there as well.
