STORY BY BELLA GARCIA, STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY JAYSON ANTONIO, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
After getting out of her home on time, Alana Pati waits for her morning bus to get to campus hoping the buses aren’t behind on schedule. “I’m never sure if I’ll make it on time to class,” Alapati says.
Alapati is not alone. Commuting to campus can be a troublesome task for students, regardless of what transportation they take.
In many students’ cases, public transportation is the most favorable option for students but often unreliable.
The success of OCTA’s College Pass program, launched in 2017, gradually reached all nine community colleges in Orange County. With just a $2.50 registration fee paid at the beginning of the semester, Cypress College students can ride the OCTA bus for free.
Approximately 524 students who affiliate with Cypress College used the bus pass in September 2022, increasing from approximately 133 in 2021, according to Megan Abba, OCTA’s Communication specialist.
When asked what changes should be made to improve commuters’ experience taking the OCBus, Alana said, “Undoubtedly things can be improved, but it’s a ride that can get me from point A to point B. What more could I ask for?”
Not all students opt for a free bus ride, though. Freshman Malik Dueifi believes it’s easier to ride his bike as transportation than to have to wait for a bus.
Though bike riding is better than the bus, in Dueifi’s eyes, there are a few challenges. “My daily commute time is about 10 minutes and waiting for lights on a bike is a pain,” Dueifi says, “Always depends on the day. Sometimes the sun is blazing on you, others you’re regretting not wearing a sweatshirt.”
Luckily for early education major, Jessica Ferreira, inclement weather isn’t an issue for her. She has another to worry about.
“Commuting everyday is eating away at my wallet,” says Ferreira.
According to Love to Know, a digital destination for information, college students spend approximately $1,000-$5,000 a month for gas and car insurance.
Ferreira acknowledges the advantages driving gives her, specifically the drive home after a long day – her favorite thing.
“It is the time where I am alone and in no rush to get home,” says Ferrira, “I am able to reflect on my day, and just have some me time in the car.”
Barriers created by commuting to campus can cause a different level of stress – reflection and alone time is what we all deserve after a school day.