Discovering Southern California: UC Riverside’s Travel Training Program

A new initiative at UC Riverside is transforming the way students explore Southern California’s public transit system. The Travel Training Program, launched last fall, is designed to make using public transportation an enjoyable and accessible experience for both students and staff.

What Is the Travel Training Program?

As of April, the Travel Training Program has welcomed 278 participants, coordinating more than a dozen excursions to varied destinations such as Los Angeles, San Clemente, and Oceanside. A recent trip to Los Angeles attracted 40 participants, underlining the growing interest in this unique opportunity to learn about local transit options.

Empowering Students Through Group Travel

The primary aim of this program is to familiarize students with public transportation and cultivate their confidence in navigating it independently. Faith McClure, the Mobility Program Coordinator for Transportation Services, emphasizes the importance of group travel. “When you go in a group, and you go with someone who’s local and knows how to navigate the buses and trains, it helps build confidence,” she explains.

Targeted especially at first-year and international students—many of whom rely on public transit and may feel intimidated—this program is open to all members of the UC Riverside community.

Free Transit Access for UCR Community

This initiative works in tandem with UC Riverside’s partnership with the Riverside Transit Agency, allowing students, faculty, and staff to ride local buses for free using their R’Card or the transit agency’s GoMobile app. Additionally, students enjoy a 50% discount on the Metrolink regional passenger rail system.

With these benefits, students can easily access much of Southern California, unlocking a wealth of cultural and recreational experiences.

Exploring the Region: Day Trips and Local Outings

The Travel Training Program organizes a variety of day-long weekend trips, exploring destinations like Little Tokyo in Los Angeles and the iconic Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County. Evening trips have included outings to downtown Riverside and Moreno Valley, featuring visits to museums, the Arts Walk, and local shopping centers to help students become acquainted with their immediate surroundings.

Making Connections and Building Confidence

Oluwaseyi Omoniyi, a graduate student from Nigeria, found the Travel Training trips invaluable for both exploration and socializing. “Experiencing it with a group of people made it easier and it was also an opportunity to make friends,” she shared. The sense of community during these outings is invaluable, often melting away the apprehension many new students feel about using public transit.

Your Journey Starts Here: Travel Logistics

Participants gather at Bannockburn Village for bus rides to their destinations. For longer excursions, the group travels to the downtown Riverside Metrolink station, a central hub for regional travel. Before each trip, participants receive comprehensive itineraries, maps, and recommendations for real-time transit apps, ensuring a smooth experience.

McClure encourages participants to explore on their own once they arrive, while reconvening for the return journey, promoting an adventurous spirit and independence.

Building Skills and Confidence

Students learn essential transit skills during each outing, such as purchasing tickets and navigating connections. Many participants have reported feeling empowered to take public transport independently for personal errands or additional outings.

Nam Bu, a fourth-year physics student, shared how his experience with the Travel Training Program encouraged him to travel on his own for the first time: “I tried out taking the train home instead of my dad having to drive me,” he said.

Join the Adventure!

The UC Riverside Travel Training Program is more than just a series of outings. It’s a transformative experience that builds community, confidence, and independence among students. For those interested in participating, further information and details about upcoming trips can be found on the Transportation Services website.

Final Thoughts

This innovative program paves the way for students to explore the full potential of Southern California’s public transportation network, enhancing their university experience while promoting sustainable travel. Whether you’re a first-year student or a seasoned commuter, this is an opportunity not to be missed!