Alternative Transportation
Whether it’s across the Rogue Valley, Oregon, the country or the globe, at SOU you have transportation options!
The Transportation Options program inspires, educates, and encourages the SOU community about alternative modes of transportation through programs that promote environmental awareness, health, and economic wellbeing. We strive to make various forms of transportation accessible and fun for all students.
There are a number of alternative transportation options that are available to the SOU community for free or at a discounted rate. Learn about them below.
Bike Options
SOU Bike Maintenance Shop
SOU has its own Bike Shop! Located in the Outdoor Program, the Bike Shop is open from 10 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday. All students are welcome to bring their bike and use the shop’s tools completely free.
Not sure how to start or just want a second opinion? Ask SOU’s bike mechanic, Mike Vergeer! Learn how to repair your own bike alongside an experienced mechanic in the Outdoor Program, located in the Student Recreation Center. Drop-in hours are Thursdays from 12:30 pm – 5 pm, or email Mike at vergeerm@sou.edu .
Bus Options
SOU Bus Pass
Did you know SOU students qualify for a bus pass that’s 90% off, and faculty and staff get one for free? Get a term-long bus pass for only $15 and ride for free on any RVTD bus line! Never have to worry about parking, icy conditions, or car repairs again! RVTD serves the Rogue Valley area stretching from Ashland to White City to Jacksonville each day with buses from 6 am – 9 pm.
To sign up for the SOU student bus pass, download the UMO Pass app (Apple Store) (Google Play) and sign in with your SOU email. Then head to Raider Student Services or email registrar@sou.edu , and ask for the student bus pass. They will charge $15 directly to your student account, so you don’t need to immediately pay. If you’d rather get a “smart card” instead of using your phone, ask the Raider Student Services when signing up.
To obtain the faculty/staff bus pass, download the UMO Pass app and sign in with your SOU email. Then contact the Service Center service-center@sou.edu to finish registration.
Rogue Valley Commuter Line
Do you live in Grants Pass, Rogue River, or Gold Hill? Josephine Community Transit provides a bus service that gets you to the main Medford bus station, where you can get a free transfer to any RVTD bus line. The Commuter Line runs five times a day, Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. There is a $2 bus fare, and the SOU bus pass does not qualify for the commuter line. Please call 24 hours in advance to request a stop in Rogue River or Gold Hill.
For help planning out your bus route and travel times, download the One Bus Away (Apple Store) (Google Play), or Google Maps app (Apple Store) (Google Play) to get live departure and arrival times, and you’re all good to go!
Carpool Options
Connect with fellow SOU commuters and others on your route easily through the GetThereOregon.org website. Sign up with your SOU email, log your commutes, and look out for chances to win prizes through annual events! Download the Commute Tracker app to automatically track your commutes, and approve them to be logged on “Get There Oregon”.
Want to get a carpool parking permit? Get a discount on your parking permit for sharing the ride. Make sure that you specify that you want a carpool permit for $135.
Extended Travel Options
Making your way home for the holidays, spring break or just need a weekend away? There are alternative extended travel options available!
Point Shuttle
The Point Shuttle is Oregon’s intercity bus service and has a daily Southwest route that can take you to Brookings or Klamath Falls for less than $50, with many convenient stops throughout Southern Oregon.
Amtrak
Have you ever tried the train? The closest Amtrak station is in Klamath Falls, where you can ride to Eugene, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, and more. If you need a ride to get to Klamath Falls, check out the interactive planning map to see how you can bundle together your tickets.
Greyhound
If traveling by train doesn’t work, the Greyhound bus is another great alternative! The Medford Greyhound Station is located in downtown Medford if you want to buy your ticket in person, or you can skip the line and buy it online and be picked up in Ashland.
Rogue Valley International Airport
If you’re trying to fly, the Rogue Valley International Airport (located in Medford) is the place to go. Buy your ticket in person at the airport or online through any major travel website, such as Kayak or Expedia.
Contact the Sustainability Center
SOU Student Sustainability Center
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Stevenson Union, Room 310
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6454
ecos@sou.edu