Park and Ride Program: new benefit for parking permit holders downtown

Downtown parking permit holders may notice they're getting a little something extra when they pick up their parking tag in January: free public transportation for a year with a Columbia Transit bus pass. The new pass is a great gift for current transit riders that could be used to paying almost $400 a year on bus fare, or a great opportunity for others to give public transportation a try for the first time.

The free passes are part of the Park and Ride program, approved by City Council in 2013. Permit holders in all unmetered off-street parking facilities and lots will receive the pass after they pay for their 2014 permit and pick up their parking tag in City Hall. The passes come already activated and are valid as long as the parking permit is active. The city hopes to decrease traffic congestion, increase the use of downtown and city-wide routes, and offer more convenient transportation options to downtown visitors.

Customers can find information on bus routes, schedules, and Columbia's 390+ bus stop locations by visiting the City's website http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Transportation/, downloading the free DoubleMap smartphone app, or by calling 874-7282.