Fairbanks Considers Free Transportation For University Students

With the prospect of free transportation offered to the borough's students, Fairbanks may make higher education more affordable and therefore open to all. Photo courtesy the AP.

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by Jamey Kirk

Story Created: Jul 16, 2008 at 10:41 AM AKST

Story Updated: Oct 12, 2010 at 4:06 PM AKST

A new program being considered by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Fairbanks North Star Borough may provide some economic aid to all students in the Fairbanks area. The new program would allow anyone carrying a university ID card to ride any public bus line for free.

Brian Rogers, the university's interim chancellor, said that rising gasoline costs along with parking fees can amount to commuting costs high enough to constitute an "economic barrier" to education.

A formal proposal will be issued to the Borough Assembly on Thursday. The proposal will include a pilot free-rider program.

The plan could receive approval as early as next week.
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