Public Transportation Option for Students
by Jason Baird
edited by Justin Marr, Ben Evers, John Kennett, Sheri Krotzer

The Isabella County Transportation Commission (I.C.T.C.) is an affordable way for anyone without a car to get to classes, go grocery shopping or even get to a barber.

College has many advantages. The most obvious advantage is the education.

It’s been said the experience and knowledge gained while at college can thrust students into a career and be a fundamental building block for their professional future.

What about situations when classes require out-of-class work, perhaps off campus, and students have no mode of transportation?

Asking roommates, classmates and friends for a ride is one option, though not a very realistic one, according to Nathan Miller.

“I don’t mind giving him [his roommate] a ride when I can,” Miller said. “I know it’s hard for him to get around, but my schedule is very busy and sometimes I just can’t.”

Enter the I.C.T.C.

Isabella County has a public transportation system that offers a solution. The Isabella County Transportation Commission (I.C.T.C.) has been in operation since 1974 and offers rides to anyone living within the county on a per-request basis.

A pick-up request can be made up to two weeks in advance. While the highest call volume is the “pick me up as soon as you can” request, a 24-hour notice is preferred.

Dennis Adams, director of marketing and public relations for the I.C.T.C., says they expect to take 500,000 passenger trips this year, partially due to the economic crunch of higher gasoline prices.

The I.C.T.C. runs 6:30 a.m. – Midnight, Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The highest price for a one-way trip is $2.

They offer two different types of passes, the punch pass and the semester pass, each reducing prices for riders.

“I feel like we’ve actually done something valuable and tangible for the community,” said Adams.

For more information call 773-2913, or visit the ictcbus.org.