Free Rides, Real Struggles: How Chaffey Students Depend on Omnitrans
By Gerardo Lopez
For many Chaffey College students, getting to campus is not just about catching the next class, it is about catching the next bus. Every day, students across the San Bernardino Valley rely on the Omnitrans GoSmart program, which gives free and discounted rides to actively enrolled students.
A Decade of Free Transportation
The partnership between Chaffey and Omnitrans has now been running for over a decade, with the current contract in effect through Summer 2027. The program was designed to make college more accessible by removing one of the biggest barriers for many students -- transportation.
The program started after Chaffey students voted in 2012 to approve a transportation fee that would cover public transit costs. That small fee, added to tuition, allows students to ride any Omnitrans bus for free with their student ID. Routes like 66, 81, 85, and 87 all pass through Rancho Cucamonga, connecting nearby cities like Ontario, Fontana and Upland to the college.
A Lifeline for Students
For some students, this program is more than just a convenience, it is the only way they can make it to class.
Student Kamiya Smith said she depends completely on the free bus program to attend college.
“Without the bus, I literally wouldn’t be able to come,” Smith said. “I live kind of far, and I’d have to pay about $40 for an Uber. I don’t have a job right now, so the free transport really helps me get my education.”
Smith said she uses the bus almost every day and appreciates how much it saves her.
“It helps a lot,” she said. “It’s been a big difference because I can actually afford to come to school.”
Behind the Wheel
Omnitrans bus driver Rakia, who drives the Route 87 bus near Ontario, said she has seen how important the service is for local college students.
“There’s a lot of traffic, especially around the 87 when students are heading to or from school,” Rakia said. “But we see so many of them every day, it’s a busy route.”
For drivers like her, the GoSmart program has meant more riders and more responsibility, but also a stronger connection between the transit system and local colleges.
How the GoSmart Program Works
According to the Omnitrans website, GoSmart gives students free unlimited rides on local bus routes, rapid transit (sbX), and Freeway Express lines. Students only need to swipe their valid student ID when boarding.
It is not just about free rides; it is about financial relief. Omnitrans notes that owning a car can cost hundreds of dollars per month in gas, insurance and repairs. By using the GoSmart program, students can save that money and use it toward tuition, books or living expenses instead.
Chaffey’s transportation web page explains that the program also offers a 20% discount on OmniAccess tickets for students who are pre-qualified for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) services. These students can apply for discounted tickets through the college’s Disability Programs and Services or the bookstore.
But there is one catch. To use the program, students must be actively enrolled in at least one credit class and have paid their full tuition and transportation fees. Some students have found out the hard way that if their payments are not complete, their student ID will not work when they try to ride the bus.
Room for Improvement
While students appreciate the savings and accessibility, some feel there is still room to improve. Kamiya mentioned that cleanliness could be better.
“They should clean the busses more,” she said. “Sometimes it’s kind of dirty, but that’s about it.”
Another student, Claudia, agreed that the service makes a difference. However, she said there are still drawbacks.
“It’s pretty effective. It usually comes on time,” she said. “But they should fix the air conditioning on some of the buses. Sometimes it doesn’t work, and it gets really hot.”
Despite small complaints, students said the program has made life easier and helped them focus more on school. Instead of worrying about gas prices or finding parking, they can just swipe their ID and ride.
More Than a Bus Pass
The GoSmart program is more than just a ride, it is a bridge between students and opportunity. It allows them to attend classes, meet professors and stay engaged in campus life, all without the stress of figuring out how to afford getting there.
For students like Kamiya and Claudia, Omnitrans is not just public transportation. It is part of their education journey.
As Chaffey’s transportation program continues through 2027, its impact is clear: when college is accessible, students are more likely to stay in school and succeed. And sometimes, that success starts with something as simple as catching the right bus.