$800k NCDOT grant to Fund Free Rides for Eligible ICC Student

A new $800,000 state grant will provide free transportation for eligible students attending Isothermal Community College, but the "College Commute Initiative" comes with restrictions on who can use the service, where rides can go, and how the program will be monitored.

Rutherford County Transit and Polk County Transit received a North Carolina Department of Transportation ConCPT grant to launch the program, which will operate from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

The initiative is designed to address transportation barriers for students pursuing college degrees, workforce certifications, and career training programs. However, the service is not open to the general public and cannot be used for unrestricted transportation needs.

Under the program rules, eligible riders must be current or prospective Isothermal Community College students whose pickup address is located in Rutherford or Polk counties.

The program covers curriculum students, workforce training participants, continuing education students, adult high school students, and dual-enrollment students. Prospective students may use the service for approved activities such as registration, advising, placement testing, and campus tours.

Faculty, staff, visitors, and students who live outside Rutherford or Polk counties are not eligible.

The transit agencies said there are no income, employment, or financial-need requirements. Students also do not have to receive ICC’s Powers Promise scholarship to qualify.

Transportation will be limited to approved educational purposes, including trips to ICC campuses in Spindale and Columbus. Rides may also be available for certain clinicals, internships, apprenticeships, and training sites, but only at approved locations within Rutherford or Polk counties.

The program will not initially provide unlimited transportation between campuses. A shuttle between ICC’s two campuses may be created later if demand supports the service.

Rutherford County Transit Director Kerry Giles said the goal is to connect residents with education and workforce opportunities.

“This grant is about creating opportunities for our residents,” Giles said. “No one should miss out on education or career training because they do not have a ride.”

Transportation will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the website. Requests outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends, will be considered based on driver and vehicle availability.

Students must schedule rides in advance. The program recommends requesting trips at least 48 hours ahead of time. Once a ride is confirmed, transportation is guaranteed, but capacity limits may require a waiting list if demand exceeds available resources.

The program also includes accountability measures for cancellations. Riders must cancel by 4 p.m. on the previous business day. Three no-shows within three months may result in a 30-day suspension from transportation services.

Students who complete an ICC degree, certificate, diploma, or workforce training program and obtain employment within 30 days may qualify for a separate 60-day work transportation pass. The pass is limited to employment transportation within Rutherford or Polk counties and does not include evening or weekend rides.

ICC President Dr. Margaret Annunziata said transportation access is a major challenge for many students.

“At Isothermal Community College, we believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed,” Annunziata said. “This program removes one of the biggest challenges students face, getting to class.”

NCDOT officials said the partnership could provide a model for other communities.

“The College Commute Initiative shows how transportation and education can work together to create opportunities for people,” said Brennon Fuqua, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division.

The program will also introduce technology upgrades, including plans for a scheduling app and Wi-Fi-equipped vehicles. Until the app is operational, students must schedule rides by phone.

Residents can contact their county transit agency to determine eligibility and schedule transportation:

Rutherford County Transit: 828-287-6339

Polk County Transit: 828-894-8203

More information and frequently asked questions are available at RidetoICC.com.