Dear UConn students and employees,
In recent weeks, the University has learned of changes that will affect passengers who hold passes for Windham Regional Transit District buses under WRTD’s UConn/Mansfield “Fare Free” program.
That arrangement, in which UConn and Mansfield paid a reduced rate to subsidize free bus passes for residents, will no longer be available. An alternative option, in which UConn would pay a higher subsidy to guarantee free rides for its employees and students, is not financially feasible for the University.
We recognize that WRTD service and its Storrs-Willimantic route is important to many people on our campus. Therefore, we have put extensive effort into creating an alternative by which UConn employees and students will continue to receive affordable access to regional transit under a new university-issued pass.
Mansfield also is establishing a new-low income program that may apply to certain UConn students who live off campus and meet income guidelines.
Details are as follows:
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Starting immediately, UConn faculty, staff and students can purchase their new pass at the UConn Parking Office, 3 Discovery Drive, Storrs. Those who return later for the fall semester may buy their passes at that time.
This pass entitles them to service on the WRTD’s Storrs-Willimantic route, and also adds the Willimantic City route as an additional amenity to help riders reach popular retail centers such as Walmart and other locations.
Passes will cost $60 for every six-month period they cover (July through December, and again January through June). This represents a significant savings compared to the $30 per month WRTD pass, and greatly reduces costs for regular riders.
The University is partially subsidizing UConn pass holders’ costs in recognition of the important role that accessible, affordable regional transit service plays in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students.
Old passes will be honored until July 15. New passes must be purchased in person at the Parking Office, and cannot be made online or by phone.
The passes are available to all employees and students, including those who live off campus.
The town of Mansfield is also establishing an independent program by which low-income Mansfield residents can receive passes for free rides. Some off-campus students might be eligible if their family income qualifies them (not their individual income).
The town’s Human Services Office has more information on income guidelines and the application process, and can be reached at (860) 429-3315. On-campus students are not eligible for the program.
People who do not obtain a Mansfield or UConn pass will be charged the regular $1 one-way cash fare for each trip on the Storrs-Willimantic route.
Under the previous “Free Fare” program, the town of Mansfield and UConn shared the cost of the program and paid a discounted rate of 75 cents per ride to WRTD for their pass holders. Now UConn will pay WRTD $1 per ride taken by our students, faculty and staff who hold the university-issued passes.
Because transit is so important to our community, the option of placing the full burden of non-subsidized fares on our employees and students was unpalatable. The new approach preserves our community’s access to regional transit, adds a new route with more amenities, and helps keep the service affordable.
Anyone with questions can contact us at 860-486-1448, or by sending a message to transportation@uconn.edu. We thank you for your continuing support of UConn Transportation Services and transit as a whole.
Sincerely,
Tanya Husick
For more information, contact: Transportation Services at 860-486-1448