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‘Go-To College Pass’ launched at local colleges and schools

Students at 11 institutions will be eligible for unlimited transit rides

Students from 11 local colleges and trade schools are riding trains and buses this fall as part of a new demonstration program designed to promote commuting during the 2006-2007 school year.

Launched on August 15, the “Go-To College Pass” is similar to the highly successful U-Pass because it is good for unlimited rides for one semester at one price. It also allows each school the freedom to tailor its program costs and benefits.

However, unlike U-Pass, the new Go-To College pass uses new “Go-To” technology — essentially swiping a magnetic card over a card reader — which enables faster boarding and precise tracking and accounting of program users. The fall semester pass is valid through December 31.

Eleven local institutions are registered for the program: Augsburg College, Brown College, Century College, College of St. Catherine, Concordia University, Hamline University, Inver Hills Community College, Le Cordon Bleu, Macalester College, Normandale Community College and University of St. Thomas.

And there’s a lot more potential: The region has more than 70 institutions of higher learning. If all goes well, the demonstration program could be expanded to more schools in coming years.