Beginning next year, Austin Community College students, faculty and staff will be able to ride Capital Metro services for free under a new pilot program.

The new passes become effective Jan. 5 to students, faculty and staff for use during the 2010 spring semester. Riders will be required to swipe their Green Pass in the farebox and present their ACC issued ID when boarding Capital Metro buses.

Through the new Green Pass program, ACC will pay a discounted rate for each trip on bus and rail services. Eligible ACC riders that are MetroAccess qualified will also have free access to paratransit service. ACC is funding the program through its sustainability fee included in tuition.

The Green Pass program is intended to reduce parking congestion around ACC campuses, increase ridership and improve air quality.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Austin Community College,” said Doug Allen, Capital Metro Interim President/CEO. “The new Green Pass program is a great way to promote sustainability and attract ACC students and employees to Capital Metro services.”

For more information on the program, visit the ACC Web site.