BOISE –The City of Boise, in partnership with Valley Regional Transit, is offering free bus passes to all of our tenants.
The city owns and operates 31 rental properties across Boise that house lower-income households, for a total of 184 units. The rents charged on these properties are based on the income of the tenant household.
VRT staff are able to help set up the digital bus passes and show neighbors how to maximize all the benefits of riding transit in the Treasure Valley.
"These bus passes provide much-needed relief for some of Boise's most vulnerable residents-- those who reside in deeply affordable housing," said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. "By removing a line item from already tight budgets and expanding access to safe and reliable transportation, these residents can more easily get to work, run errands and visit friends and family. This program is another step towards creating a city that is full of opportunity for everyone."
In total, the city serves 289 residents, and 105 individuals have already signed up for the program.
Mona Romeo, one of the residents who enrolled in the program, has been using the bus services twice a week for over 10 years to go grocery shopping, and said she now uses her pass to continue to do so.
“I think this program is a great way to help neighbors who are low or fixed income to help us go around,” she said. “It’s benefited quite a lot of people in my building, and it saves money that we can use on other things now that our bills are all going up.”
While getting her pass, Romeo also learned that she qualifies for VRT’s Access Paratransit, a service available to people who are unable to utilize the fixed-route or on-demand bus systems because of a disability.
“Getting where you need to go can make all the difference in keeping a job or appointment, in having a full and happy life,” said Elaine Clegg, VRT CEO. “Our partnership with the City of Boise to reimagine our residential pass program has removed financial barriers and given residents newfound freedom to move around the region as they need. We are happy and excited to be a partner in making that happen.”
The City of Boise and VRT are also partnering to offer unlimited rides this summer (May 1 to August 31) to youth 18 years old or under.
