Sunline Transit Expands Haul Pass Program

Both high school students and parents have much to gain from SunLine Transit Agency’s newly expanded Haul Pass Program.

 

Editor’s Note from Mary E.B. Perry, the public information officer at Desert Sands Unified School District: Desert Sands Unified School District is always happy to use this column to share information of value to the community.  The district very much appreciates this new expanded Haul Pass program from Sunline Transit Agency as it aids our students and families in transportation to and from our high schools as well as to other activities.

It might have been tough to get in that last swim of the summer, or camping trip, or bar-b-cue! Because the end of summer meant the beginning of school.

As students and their families did their school shopping, they also learned that one expense wouldn’t be added to that back-to-school shopping list.

For many people in our valley, transportation is the key to attaining an education and employment. This means high school students and parents alike have a lot to gain from SunLine Transit Agency’s newly expanded Haul Pass Program. Already in place for local college students, the program has been expanded to include high school students thanks to recent grant funding.

This means that students in grades 9 through 12 can now enjoy free rides to Coachella Valley high schools within SunLine’s service area. Students can also use SunLine’s services for free to get to Career Technical Education (CTE) classes and internships, especially beneficial because they teach skills that are directly applicable to career opportunities. We hope that free transportation to and from classes will ease the burden on students and families.

In addition to rides to classes, students can take advantage of free rides at any time on SunLine’s Fixed Route service. Do you want to go to the mall or hang out with friends but don’t have a way to get there? Plan your trip with SunLine.

Students can enjoy rides through Haul Pass by filling out an application by clicking here. After the application is received and processed, students can access service schedules and tickets through the smartphone app, Token Transit. Instructions are available online. If you do not have a smartphone, that is not a problem. You can still participate by indicating you prefer a paper pass.

Signups are open for the free rides but in order to guarantee a spot, students should fill out the form as soon as possible. Please note that face masks are required at all bus stops and on buses.

Information on Desert Sands Unified School District and its schools is available at www.dsusd.us.