FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ben Franklin Transit and Heritage University Expand Student Access to Public Transportation

KENNEWICK, Wash. — Heritage University Tri-Cities students can now use their student IDs as bus passes for free rides throughout the Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) service area, removing a transportation barrier to education, employment and other opportunities.

The program launched Oct. 12, 2026, through an agreement in which Heritage University covers the cost of student passes. Students can enroll through the university, joining Washington State University Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College students who already benefit from the program.

The partnership gives Heritage University Tri-Cities students another affordable way to get to class, work and other destinations without the added costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance or campus parking.

“Transportation can be a significant barrier for students, particularly as they balance work, family, and their education,” said Adriana Villafan, Heritage University associate vice president for strategic initiatives. “This partnership with Ben Franklin Transit allows Heritage University to provide our Tri-Cities students with access to public transportation at no cost, removing one more obstacle between them and their academic goals. We are incredibly grateful to Ben Franklin Transit for their partnership and shared commitment to supporting students and expanding access to higher education in the Tri-Cities.”

Through this partnership, students at all three participating higher education institutions in the region can take advantage of the BFT Student Pass program, supporting greater access to education and employment throughout the Tri-Cities area.

About Ben Franklin Transit

Ben Franklin Transit is the public transportation system for the Tri-Cities area of Benton and Franklin Counties in southeastern Washington State. Our guiding purpose is to provide safe, reliable, affordable transportation to the community to support personal mobility, economic diversity, and growth. BFT’s Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) covers 625 square miles and serves the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, Prosser, and the town of Finley.

About Heritage University

Heritage University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate education from its primary campus in Toppenish, Wash. and from regional sites in Kennewick, Wash. and Pasco, Wash. Heritage University is located on the Yakama Nation and is the only private institution in the United States designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Native American-serving Non-Tribal Institution. For more information, visit heritage.edu.

Media Contacts

Ben Franklin Transit:
Tara Divers, Director of Marketing and Communications
509.975.9424 | tdivers@bft.org

Heritage University:
Adriana Villafan, Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
(509) 840-7532 | villafan_a@heritage.edu

Davidson Mance, Public Relations Manager
(509) 969-6084 | mance_d@heritage.edu

 

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