Worcester State University and Assumption College have stepped up their financial commitments in order to ensure that the Worcester Regional Transit Authority’s bus Route 10—the so-called “college route”—will continue operating in the 2016-2017 academic year.
The Route 10 service will be suspended between June 25 to August 28, 2016, and then resume with a slightly altered route on Monday, August 29, continuing through the 2016-2017 academic year.
In the second year of operation, Route 10 will continue to provide direct service into Assumption College and Worcester State, as the two colleges continue to subsidize the service. Service will stop near the College of the Holy Cross at WRTA bus stops near the intersection of Southbridge and College streets, rather than continue onto that campus.
The WRTA Route 10 began in August 2015 to provide transportation service between Assumption College, Worcester State University, and the College of the Holy Cross for students taking cross-registration classes among the three institutions. It also enables students from these colleges to access each other’s campuses for the use of shared facilities and courses, and provides another way for students to move around the city.
“The continuation of the number 10 bus route will solidify the city of Worcester’s growing reputation as a ‘college town,’” said WSU President Barry M. Maloney. “It will allow more of the 35,000 students in the city to circulate to the downtown area and to sister campuses. It will also continue encouraging cross-registration.”
“The Assumption College community is happy to support this critical service, which will continue to provide students reliable transportation to internships, other institutions of higher learning for the purpose of taking classes, and to enjoy the myriad cultural and dining options offered by the city of Worcester,” said Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., president of Assumption College. “With tens of thousands of students who make Worcester their home during the academic year, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that they are provided essential services that enhance their academic experience and also enables them to make meaningful contributions to the local economy.”
Both presidents also thanked the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts for its continued critical role in supporting Route 10 for another year.
This collaboration will continue to provide economical and green transportation opportunities for college students and employees and provide access to college campuses, as well as community businesses through the stop at the WRTA Hub.
College students will be able to purchase unlimited ride passes, called UPasses, for $100 for an entire semester. Passes can be purchased at each college or at the WRTA Hub. Additionally, the public will be able to continue riding Route 10, which will operate Monday through Friday, from 6:55 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
“I am pleased that the WRTA has agreed to partner with HECCMA member institutions to keep Line 10 alive for the 2016-17 academic year,” said HECCMA Executive Director Jeanine B. Went.
More information on the new route may be found on the HECCMA website and the WRTA website.
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