A set of brand-new public transportation options have been introduced at Sonoma State University, including the introduction of Redwood Bikeshare on campus, as well as discounts on bus rides and local Amtrak lines. Announced in an email on March 25, these new options are affordable and environmentally friendly, allowing Seawolves without a car to get around the area.
The Redwood Bikeshare program is the main focus of the email announcement, written by Jessica Way, the Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Activities Operations & Administration. The program’s introduction is part of SSU’s initiative to work with local agencies in order to connect SSU with the North Bay region.
“This program is a joint venture with the Sonoma County Transportation Authority to increase transportation options throughout the county and support sustainable, car-free travel in the local area,” said Way via email. “Whether you’re riding to or from SMART, running errands, going to dinner, or riding recreationally, you can now cruise Marin and Sonoma counties with Redwood Bikeshare!”
To use the Redwood Bikeshare, students will first need to download the program’s app.
There are two Redwood Bikeshare racks on campus that students can use: one at the Student Center with seven bikes, and the other at the Green Music Center with three bikes.
There are three pricing options, including pay-as-you-go with $0.25 per minute and a $1 fee to unlock the bike, a $20 per month option with 30 minutes free per day and $0.25 minutes after, and a $20 day pass with 120 minutes free for the day and $0.25 minutes after.
For community members enrolled in a financial aid program such as Calfresh or Medicaid, the program offers an equity discount on the monthly membership.
Alongside Redwood Bikeshare, new discounts have been announced for existing local public transit options.
Firstly, bus rides with the Sonoma County Transit are now free for all Seawolves, with current student identification allowing for free transit.
Secondly, the local Amtrak line now provides a 15% discount for students, with the line running from Martinez in the North Bay area to Arcata up north.
Combined with the Redwood Bikeshare program and SSU’s proximity to the local SMART station, these new transit options will allow students to explore the North Bay area in new and exciting ways.
