Staff Report
Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) announced it will offer a cost-savings monthly pass and one-way fare to riders ages 6 to 20. The reduced fare options will be available on a trial basis from September 1 through December 31, 2021.
SYVT will offer a Monthly Student Pass with unlimited rides for $30 per month (regularly $42.50), and a One-way Student Fare for $1.00 (regularly $1.50). “Public transportation is an essential service and is often the only way students can travel to and from school,” said Matt van der Linden, Public Works Director for the City of Solvang. “When the school district informed us that families needed help getting to school, we were thrilled to help.” SYVT decided to offer a monthly pass solution for students who rely on public transportation, and a one-way solution for those students who only need to ride the bus periodically.
Parents, caregivers, and students can purchase a $30 Monthly Student Pass at the SYVT office located at 431 Second Street, Suite 9, in Solvang. The Monthly Student Pass offers unlimited rides for the month of purchase on all SYVT fixed routes. A parent or caregiver can purchase the pass by providing their student’s name and school. A student can purchase the pass by showing their valid student ID. When a student is using their Monthly Student Pass to board SYVT, the driver may ask to see their student ID.
“Students can purchase a One-way Student Fare for $1.00 on the bus,” said van der Linden. “It is up to the driver’s discretion to request to see a student ID for students who appear high school age or older.” Parents and caregivers can pay the One-way Student Fare for their student when boarding a fixed route if their student is traveling with them.
Throughout the pandemic, SYVT has taken steps to protect both its customers and employees while providing quality transportation. SYVT staff continues to monitor and enforce official guidelines and procedures, including the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) recent extension of the face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, through January 18, 2022. Additional steps the agency is taking include:
- Cleaning all vehicles with hospital-grade disinfectant daily.
- Conducting cleaning throughout the day to wipe down high-touch surfaces (such as handrails and fareboxes).
SYVT encourages parents and students to contact the SYVT office if they have questions or need instructions on how to ride the bus. Please call (805) 688-5452.
SYVT is funded through a Memorandum of Understanding between the cities of Buellton and Solvang and Santa Barbara County. For information about SYVT, visit www.syvt.com or call (805) 688-5452.
