Starting in January 2024, eligible Stanford University postdoctoral scholars will be able to receive the AC Transit EasyPass, which allows free, unlimited travel on any AC Transit bus line serving the East Bay, including the Dumbarton Express, and the VTA SmartPass, which allows free, unlimited travel on all of VTA’s local buses and light rail serving Santa Clara County. 

Stanford Postdoc Andrew Barentine, head of the SURPAS’ (Stanford University Postdoctoral Association) Housing and Transportation subcommittee, with support from SURPAS co-chairs Julia Abitbol and Samyuktha SureshInitial, spearheaded efforts in November of 2022 by approaching the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Barentine said this was an opportunity to address affordability and inclusion concerns. “Cost-of-living in the Bay Area can make it challenging for postdocs to maximize their feeling of belonging and productivity as scholars,” he said.

SURPAS presented a request for extended transit passes to the Provost Advisory Committee on Postdoctoral Affairs (PACPA) in February of 2023, which both PACPA and Vice Provost for Graduate Education Stacey Bent enthusiastically endorsed. Provost Drell approved the benefit in May.

This new benefit, which will reduce the commute costs of postdocs who reside in the East and South Bay, was achieved through a collaborative effort, said Bent. “SURPAS was a terrific partner in advocating for these transit passes. This is one step of many in our ongoing efforts to address affordability for postdocs, along with the Go Pass, the family grant, the child care grant, and other important support mechanisms,” she said.

“Supplementing the Caltrain Go Pass program with the AC Transit and VTA pass programs dramatically expands our options for convenient, sustainable, and affordable commutes in our lives on campus and off,” said Barentine. 

For eligibility requirements and other information, refer to the Postdoc EasyPass/SmartPass FAQ. For other questions, contact commuteclub@stanford.edu.