More »
University Communications

Free, employer-provided GRTC bus pass program tops 100 signups at University of Richmond; goal is help with high fuel prices, reducing pollution

May 22, 2008

At least 107 University of Richmond employees have signed up for free GRTC bus passes under a university-sponsored program to help them deal with the high cost of fuel while reducing the university's carbon footprint.

The program also offers carpool and ride-share matching for workers who do not live near a bus line.

Before becoming the first corporate sponsor of Greater Richmond Transit Company's Go Green program, the university had around 35 employees commuting by bus.

University President Edward L. Ayers has been promoting green initiatives throughout the campus, which is one of only a few nonprofit employers in the country to offer such a program. It will test a similar program for students during the fall semester.

The passes are valid as long as the employee continues to work for the university, which is committed to providing the passes as a continuing employee benefit, said Carl Sorensen, associate vice president for human resources. The cost to the university will be based on utilization.

The university will receive recognition from GRTC for its sponsorship, including bus billboards.

Following are some comments from university employees taking advantage of the free bus passes:

  • "I began with the goal of riding the bus at least three times a week, but it's turned into pretty much every day now. It's a longer commute for me, but it's free, and since I'm not driving I can read or just relax before or after work. I haven't put gas in my car since started riding the bus three weeks ago-and I used to fill up at least once a week."

  • "I used to take the bus now and then, for example, when my car was being worked on. But now I am taking it about three times a week. It certainly is a nice benefit with these high gas prices."

  • "I thoroughly appreciate the program. I have not used it every single day, but have made use of it fairly regularly, and will be more consistently using it (along with biking) during the summer."