In parternship with Metro transit, Metropolitan Community College’s Pass to Class has surpassed 1.5 mil­lion bus rides.

The milestone comes at a time when the college is extending the program to students in English as a Second Language noncredit classes, according to an MCC news release.

Pass to Class encourages rider­ship by offering a free bus pass for travel to and from MCC locations or for other education-related pur­poses.

Sally Hopley, coordinator of Sustainable Practices at MCC, said the program addresses issues of ac­cess and affordability.

“The program helps ensure that students have a way to get to class and have access to education,” Hopley said. “Additionally, Pass to Class helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars.”

The Pass to Class program has reduced an estimated 3,330 tons of carbon dioxide in the Omaha area, when it’s compared to single per­son car commutes.

Bus passes are valid for a quarter before having to be renewed again. The passes can be picked up at any MCC Student Services location at any time during their academic quarter.

– Metropolitan Community College