Via Rideshare Service Making College a Reality for Some TCC Students
By Office of Communication
Posted on March 09, 2020, March 09, 2020

Arlington's Via rideshare service is doing more than simply offering rides around town. The service is now making college a reality for hundreds of students at Tarrant County College's Southeast campus.

The City of Arlington expanded Via's service area in January to include more of south Arlington, including TCC southeast. 

"What we’re seeing is students showing up on time for class. It’s been a wonderful addition to the campus," said TCC Southeast President Dr. Bill Coppola. 

Student Jacob Guajardo agrees. Before the Via expansion, Guajardo used other rideshare services and was spending significantly more on transportation. 

"I can spend those extra $5 or $6 to get something to eat before class knowing I have extra money now," Guajardo said. "Or I can use that money to pay for something I need for school."

Many TCC students are first-generation college students. Administrators say students understand the value of an education but were forced to choose whether to spend their transportation budget getting to work or school. 

"So putting Via with a price of $3 per ride and $15 a week for the package has really let students do both things – obtain their education and continue their employment to support their families," Coppola said.

Click here to learn more about Via rideshare service. 

Via van on TCC campus

Enhance Regional Mobility, Via
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