CTC offers free bus service which may ease student gas budget

In addition to offering some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, Central Texas College (CTC) reminds students of another cost-saver – free bus transportation to and from central campus. Although CTC's bus transportation is not new, higher gas prices may make this option more appealing to many students.

"CTC has offered bus service for several years, but with rising gas costs, students may find it even more difficult to afford college and budget for other expenses,” explained Barbara Merlo, CTC's director of community relations. “Our bus service can help ease that budget strain and make it easier for students to continue or start their college education.”

Buses run from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday along established routes in Killeen, Harker Heights, Fort Hood and Copperas Cove. The bus is only used for transporting students to and from campus. Free bus passes and route schedules are available from Student Services (Bldg. 119, room 119). Students should bring their class schedule and student ID card to sign up.

Students are informed of this free transportation option at the time of registration. “We have a representative at the registration site to provide bus schedules, passes and other transportation information,” said Merlo.

Another option afforded by CTC is the increase in online class offerings. Online registration has increased 27 percent compared to 2006. The increase may not necessarily be strictly related to gas prices but to the increase in the number of course offerings.

“We are offering more classes and degree programs online than ever before,” noted Merlo. “We recently added the homeland security degree program online which means we now have 20 degree programs and 19 certification programs which can be completed solely online.”

Information about online degree programs and registration is available at www.ctcd.edu. Registration is currently underway for the fall 2008 semester.

Students seeking more information about the free bus service can call 254-526-1189 or visit Student Services in Building 119 on central campus.