Note: This story first appeared on Streetsblog Los Angeles
Today, the Metro board approved a motion that lays the groundwork for providing free transit to L.A. Unified School District students. The motion directs the agency to study free student transit, submitting a report to the board in April for further action, including determining how to fund the program.
The motion was brought to the board by directors Hilda Solis, Eric Garcetti, Mike Bonin, Jacqueline Dupont-Walker, James Butts, and Janice Hahn. In a press statement, Solis emphasized that “transportation costs should not be a barrier for students traveling to school” and further that Metro’s program “could help students who attend LAUSD, a community college, or any other school district in L.A. County. This is an important investment in our communities, our students, and our economy.”
LAUSD leadership – including several school board members – spoke in favor of the proposal. Public comment was also strongly in support.
The biggest point of contention was Metro boardmember interest in expanding who might receive free student transit. In addition to LAUSD, L.A. County has more than 80 smaller school districts. Many of these smaller districts are served by Metro, and some are served by Munis – municipal bus operators, including Foothill Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, etc.
Continue reading “Metro Board Votes to Study Free Transit for LAUSD Students”