Yesterday, I joined advocates, including our powerhouse Board Member Rosa Olascoaga Vidal, to make a passionate case in support of no-cost youth bus passes to our local transit agency, MTS. While advocates have been fighting for over a decade to make this possible, it is clear that youth transit riders need us now, more than ever.
In San Diego and across the nation, working class families are suffering disproportionately from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Many families are struggling to put food on the table and pay rent, transportation costs should not be another barrier to access.
No-cost transit passes for youth represent one of many steps on the path to a just economic recovery for our region. That is why CAC, as part of the San Diego Green New Deal Alliance, sent this letter to our local transit agency.
Why are no-cost youth transit passes so essential?
In the short term, no-cost transit will ensure that young people have access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy under the COVID-19 crisis. In the long term, it will connect all young people to education, employment, and economic opportunity.
On top of that, no-cost youth transit passes are also a climate justice solution.
Here in San Diego, transportation accounts for the majority of our greenhouse gas emissions. Through no-cost transit passes, we can create the next generation of transit riders and build a cleaner, healthier San Diego for all!
We were disappointed to hear that MTS’ Board of Directors is supportive of this program, but don’t think that now is the right time.
While this effort was unsuccessful, the fight continues! We will continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize toward a just economic recovery and a world-class transportation system. San Diegans deserve nothing less.
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