Petition: Support Free Public Transportation for Youth

Young people are having a harder and harder time getting around San Francisco—getting to school, after school programs, jobs, volunteer activities, museums and parks. Major cuts to the yellow school bus program have forced school-age children to find their own way of getting to school—and a youth Fast Pass costs more than twice what it did two years ago. Young people who cannot afford the rising cost of transportation risk getting a $100 fine if they ride the bus without paying the fare.

In February, the MTA Board, the Transit Authority and other regional bodies will be taking action on youth transit in San Francisco. Funding to support low-income transit and climate initiative programs could provide free transit passes for youth. MTA staff and board members are debating whether to take this opportunity to provide free transit for youth, or merely offer a cheaper pass for youth. We know that cutting the cost of the pass does not resolve the issue – there should be no barriers preventing young people from getting to school safely. MTA officials need to hear from you today if you support free transportation for youth.