Pirates, you’ve just won the use of an eco-friendly vehicle for a year! Each azure-blue, air-conditioned GoGeo bus features 18 comfortable vinyl seats and will transport you to nearly 30 exciting destinations, including Wolf Ranch and the iconic Georgetown Square. And as of August 15, 2018, you can ride for free; just show your Pirate Card!

Georgetown City Council approved the agreement between Southwestern and GoGeo earlier this month. And to celebrate the new free-ride program, GoGeo will be hosting an event on campus on Wednesday, August 29. The kickoff party, which takes place on the Academic Mall near the flagpoles in front of the McCombs Campus Center, will feature talks by Southwestern President Edward Burger, Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross, and Capital Metro Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and Development Todd Hemingson. Students can enjoy free snow cones and stickers and learn more about where and how they can ride for free.

The goal of the program is to connect the SU community with the rest of the city, including the public library, shopping outlets, and Georgetown’s historic downtown. It will also improve students’ access to community-engaged learning sites throughout the city. In addition, the SU–GoGeo partnership demonstrates the continued commitment to sustainability shared by the University and the city of Georgetown: According to the American Public Transportation Association, using public transportation is one of the most effective measures an individual can take to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint, exceeding actions such as replacing lightbulbs or adjusting a thermostat.

The bus service operates six days per week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. You can find a GoGeo stop on Maple Street, with HEB or Wolf Ranch less than 20 minutes away. Learn more about GoGeo routes, schedules, and maps on their website.

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