OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) — GO Transit, the public transportation service in the Greater Oshkosh area, in partnership with the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD), has announced the extension of their revenue agreement allowing all OASD students to ride fare-free.
GO Transit is introducing a new Student Pass Program, designed to ensure the safety and security of all bus riders. Effective September 1, 2023, all Oshkosh Area School District students in grades 6-12 will be required to have a GO Transit Student Identification Card for the 2023-2024 school year. K-5 students may continue to ride fare-free without an ID.
“Transportation was an economic burden for some students, and was potentially leading to truancy,” said Jim Collins, Oshkosh Transportation Director. “So they advocated to provide free rides for students.”
The program began as a pilot program in 2020, and has gradually seen an increase in students taking advantage of the program.
Students can obtain their GO Transit Student Pass at the GO Transit offices in preparation for the upcoming school year. To secure a pass, students must complete the 2023-2024 School Bus Pass Form. If a student is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form. Forms will also be available at the downtown office, and additional forms can be emailed upon request.
Once the form is filled out, students will need to visit one of GO Transit’s two offices to collect their free passes.
Students can pick up their passes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the 926 Dempsey Trail location during regular business hours from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. They are also available on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Oshkosh downtown transit center, located at 110 Pearl Ave.
