Free bus rides return for MoWest students, employees
TaMya Bracy
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — City Council approved an ordinance last month, authorizing an agreement with Missouri Western State University to provide free transportation on St. Joseph Transit buses to all students and employees.
In 2013, the City and MoWest previously entered into an open-access agreement to provide transportation to students and employees of MoWest, without having to pay a fare for each ride.
During COVID-19, ridership dropped, as well as prices. As a result, the program was discontinued.
John Vanderpool, interim dean of students, said this is definitely an agreement the university wanted to reimplement.
“We see the value in that, especially for our students and staff to be able to utilize this,” he said. “I think this partnership between us and the city regarding transit was something that we really wanted to happen again. It was great communication between the two of us to make this come to fruition.”
Vanderpool said one of MoWest’s focuses is on providing the best resources and student support.
“I really think this is an opportunity for that. We do have students who have transportation issues, and this gives an opportunity for even if a student comes in with a transportation issue or finds themselves in that, if they’re with MoWest, a really easy way for them to be able to use the city transportation to get to or from,” he said.
In order for students and staff to get their free ride, they would need to show their Griffon I.D.
“If there was a deviation from the course that is set up by transit, there might be an additional nominal fee,” said Vanderpool
Overall, the agreement and partnership are to make sure the MoWest family is cared for.
“The main thing that us and student affairs, or MoWest in general, really are trying to make sure it happened- this agreement, whether it be students or staff,” he said.
The agreement will last until the end of 2026.