Barstow, CA – Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) and Barstow Community College (BCC) have officially launched a new partnership to provide fare-free bus service to BCC students, removing a key barrier to higher education for many in the High Desert region. As of July 1, 2025, all currently enrolled BCC students with a valid Summer or Fall 2025 student ID can ride VVTA’s Fixed Routes, County Routes, and Route 15 completely free of charge.
This initiative makes Barstow Community College the latest institution to join VVTA’s successful fare-free college transit program alongside Victor Valley College and California State University, San Bernardino students. By removing the cost of transportation, the program ensures that more students can access college campuses, academic support services, and employment opportunities—regardless of income or access to a personal vehicle.
“In our region, transportation is key for our students to achieve their educational goals,” said Magaly Rojas, Director of the BCC Basic Needs Center. “With our partner from VVTA, we will guarantee that transportation is not an obstacle. BCC is creating a route for success for all the students.”
The fare-free transit program is part of a broader effort to expand educational equity and economic mobility across the Victor Valley. The ability to travel between campuses, job sites, and community resources can have a significant impact on a student’s success and quality of life.
“For over a decade, VVTA has supported student riders across the High Desert,” said Nancie Goff, CEO of Victor Valley Transit. “Welcoming Barstow Community College into our fare-free family expands that legacy and reaffirms our commitment to the success of every student we serve.”
In addition to serving students within the city of Barstow, VVTA’s County Routes provide vital connections for students living in outlying communities, including Hinkley, Lenwood, Newberry Springs, and Daggett. These routes ensure that students from across the High Desert have reliable access to Barstow Community College’s Barstow campus, helping bridge the gap between rural areas and higher education. With fare-free service now in place, more students than ever can commute to campus without the burden of transportation costs.
Route 15 is a vital corridor that connects Barstow to Victorville and San Bernardino, offering access to Victor Valley College, Cal State University San Bernardino, and other educational institutions and career opportunities. Fixed and County Routes provide reliable service throughout Barstow and surrounding areas, giving students convenient options for commuting to class or community activities.
“As both VVTA Board Chair and a proud resident of Barstow, I’m thrilled to see this investment in our students,” said James Noble, VVTA Board Chair and Barstow City Councilmember. “Transportation should never be a barrier to education. This partnership with Barstow Community College is another step in our ongoing effort to connect students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
This fare-free access empowers BCC students to attend classes, access support services, participate in campus life, and explore opportunities beyond their local community—all without worrying about transportation costs.
For more information on the program, eligible routes, and how to ride, visit www.vvta.org or contact Victor Valley Transit Customer Service at (760) 948-4021 or Barstow Community College at www.barstow.edu.
Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Director, Public Relations, Communications, and Marketing
Barstow Community College
(760) 252-6727| asimpson@barstow.edu
Media Contact:
Chris Ackerman
Senior Marketing Manager/Public Information Officer
Victor Valley Transit Authority
(760) 559-5185 | cackerman@vvta.org
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Barstow Community College (BCC) is a two-year public college in California’s high desert that serves a wide range of students from Barstow and surrounding communities, including Lenwood, Newberry Springs, Yermo, and Baker. BCC offers programs to help students transfer to four-year universities, train for careers, or improve basic skills in math, reading, and writing. The college also provides workforce training that meets local job needs and supports military personnel and their families through its center at Fort Irwin. Learn more at barstow.edu.
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VVTA was established through a Joint Powers Authority in 1991. The JPA includes the four cities of Adelanto, Barstow, Hesperia and Victorville, plus the Town of Apple Valley, and the certain unincorporated portions of the County of San Bernardino. VVTA operates local fixed-route, deviated, and ADA complementary para-transit bus services in the Victor Valley area. Its commuter service operates from the cities of Victorville and Barstow north to the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin and provides inter-city service from Barstow-Victorville/Apple Valley to San Bernardino/Fontana. The service structure consists of 23 local fixed routes and 4 local deviated routes, 7 County deviated routes, 2 inter-city route, 1 commuter route, micro-transit service, vanpool service and paratransit service.
