(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Aug. 9, 2018) - - - Columbia State Community College and The TMA Group | Franklin Transit Authority have partnered to provide free public transit rides for Columbia State students through a new "Show I.D. - Ride for Free" campaign.

Columbia State Williamson Campus students can ride the Franklin Transit Fixed Route Services for free with student I.D. Students can park and ride free to the Columbia State Williamson Campus, Cool Springs Galleria Mall, downtown Franklin and Independence Square among other locations.

"As Franklin grows, so does our public transit service," said Dale Thomas, Franklin Transit Authority chairman. "Franklin Transit's expansion into Cool Springs is impactful because of the changing and increased pattern of growth and the need for better availability and service for our riders and the community. A perfect example is our "Show I.D. - Ride for Free" campaign in partnership with Columbia State Community College which allows Columbia State students to ride Franklin's transit service at no cost. With the growth being experienced by the college with limited parking availability, we feel we are providing a transportation option for students to use between Cool Springs and downtown Franklin."

"This is another college-community partnership that services students and promotes their success," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "We are appreciative of Franklin Transit Authority and the student "Ride for Free" program. It helps our students and is a community service."

Transit hours are Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Established in 1988 The TMA Group, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee is a regional leader in customizing innovative multimodal transportation solutions for employers and communities. The TMA Group operates and manages Franklin's public transit service on behalf of the Franklin Transit Authority; VanStar, the regional commuter vanpool service; and the Clean Air Partnership program.

For more information about the Franklin public transit, routes and services visit www.franklintransit.org.

Photo Caption: (Pictured, left to right) Chase Harper, Transportation Management Association business development and rideshare services administrator; Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State vice president for Williamson Campus and External Services; and Stanton Higgs, Transportation Management Association business development and operations director.