The Bronco Link shuttle celebrated its 10,000 rider on Feb. 24 - Sarah Maso, a food marketing and agribusiness student.

But the milestone event wasn't just about reaching a number. It celebrated the many riders who choose public transportation on a daily basis and the university's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

"I don't drive," says Maso, who lives in Rancho Cucamonga and takes the Metrolink train to the Pomona north station before boarding the Bronco Link shuttle. "I used to take the bus, but the Bronco Link is a lot, lot better." Instead of a 45-minute trip on a public bus from the station to campus, she says, it takes only 15 minutes, and the campus shuttle doesn't make additional stops.

During the celebration, Parking & Transportation Services and the Rideshare Office presented Maso with a $50 Foundation gift card, and every Bronco Link rider that day received a ticket for a free lunch at Los Olivos.

"This is an incredible success story of our partnership with the campus climate commitment," says Doug Freer, vice president for student affairs. "It shows that our faculty, staff and students are committed to green living."

The CNG-powered shuttles provide daily transportation between campus and the Pomona North Metrolink station, 205 Santa Fe St, and the Downtown Pomona Metrolink Station, 101 W. First St. The service averages about 80 riders a day in the morning and afternoon trips.

The shuttle service may be expanded with more trips or different stops as demand grows. Freer says the university works with public transportation officials to improve bus lines to and from campus. "We continue to find as many efficient ways to get people to campus without getting in their cars," he says.

The Rideshare Office offers fare reimbursements or discounts to faculty, staff and students who ride the Metrolink or the bus. Visit https://dsa.cpp.edu/parking/rideshare.asp to learn more about the Bronco Link shuttle service and other Rideshare programs.