Students in pre-K through 12th grade can ride CCRTA buses for free, while the transit authority is also offering on-the-spot interviews for several open positions.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Coastal Bend students can ride Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority buses for free, giving families another transportation option as students head back to school.

The fare-free program is available to students in pre-K through 12th grade, whether they attend a public, private or home school.



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Rita Patrick with CCRTA told 3NEWS First Edition that students need to show a student ID. Those without one can contact CCRTA to get an ID that allows them to use the service.

“We want to make sure that everyone knows it’s free,” Patrick said.

The free rides aren’t limited to getting to and from school. Students can use CCRTA buses to get to work, doctor’s appointments, stores, the beach and other destinations. Patrick said removing transportation as a barrier to education was the main reason the program began, but CCRTA wanted students to be able to get to other places they need to go as well.

The program can also provide another option for families when school bus transportation isn’t available. “We’ve been doing this for several years, but we just want to make sure we remind everyone, hey, you have options,” Patrick said.

Students and parents who aren’t familiar with CCRTA routes can use the GoPass app to find which bus to take, check arrival times and track buses. Patrick said CCRTA also has a trainer available to teach families how to use the bus system.

As CCRTA works to keep those buses moving, the transit authority is also looking for more employees.

CCRTA is holding a job fair Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5658 Bear Lane in Corpus Christi, where applicants can interview on the spot. Open positions include bus operators, mechanics and maintenance technicians.

People interested in becoming bus operators don’t need to already have a commercial driver’s license. “If you do not have your bus license, we will train you. We will get you your CDL license,” Patrick said.

Patrick said CCRTA also offers benefits, a retirement plan, training, tuition reimbursement and opportunities for employees to move up within the organization.

CCRTA is encouraging interested applicants to fill out an application and be prepared to interview at the job fair.