Kids in Sacramento will continue to ride public transit at no cost after an extension of Sacramento Regional Tranisit’s free student program.
Over 300,000 “RydeFreeRT'' transit cards will be given to students in orientation packets next school year. That pass provides free rides throughout SACRT’s entire system for K-12 students who live in the transit service area.
The city of Sacramento proposed cutting its $1 million annual contribution to the program last month as it looked for ways to cover a $66 million budget deficit.
The decision to continue this program comes after a unanimous vote by SacRT and other funding agreements made this week by four local school districts — ElkGrove, Natomas, Sacramento City and Twin Rivers — and the city of Sacramento. The City Council will vote on the coming year’s budget at Tuesday’s meeting.
SacRT spokesperson Jesicca Gonazlez said the free-ride program has addressed crucial transportation needs for families for the past five years.
"We know that kids need to get to school, we know parents need help getting those kids to school and it's more than just school,” she said. “It's after-school activities. It's jobs. It's internships."
Gonazlez says the program's future remains uncertain as the extension only provides temporary funding for the upcoming school year.
"This costs us $10 million a year,” she said. “We know how important this is. But really, when it comes down to it. What we're looking for is a sustainable source of funding.
The service is also offered to kids in foster programs or those experiencing homelessness, regardless of their current residence or school address.
Students and youth without a card can visit SacRT’s Customer Service and Sales Center or Sacramento County Public library branches. More information is available on the SacRT website.
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