Free Student Metrocards for Next Year!

BY ANDY MAI

Albany is expected to approve $25 million dollars for the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) Student Metrocard Program. But this is not the end of the speculation. That approved budget of $25 million had already been cut down from $45 million leaving the MTA in a deficit hole. The MTA’s budget deficit is at approximately $800 million.

The decision to keep student Metrocards was a relief to many parents, teachers and students who feared, more than six months ago, they would have to start paying half fare the 2010-2011 school year. The decision six months ago was met with protests by students, parents, teachers and transit workers.

One of the major groups that represented New York City students was the New York City Student Union (NYCSU). In early February, NYCSU collected expired student Metrocards with statements on the back from individual students. Those statements were messages to the MTA pleading their situation if the Student Metrocards were cut. In early June, NYCSU planned a March for Student Metrocards over the Brooklyn Bridge. The march concluded in front of City Hall where a rally of students protested the possibility of student Metrocard cuts.

This news can only come as a sigh of relief from students and parents who will not have to pay over $1000 get to and from school.

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