For hundreds of Connecticut high schoolers, getting to class, work, afterschool activities and more just got easier - and free. A new state program offers some school districts the opportunity to distribute bus passes to students in ninth through 12th grade to use on public transportation.
a new state law, the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the state Department of Education worked together to provide school districts with free
passes for students in ninth through 12th grade. The passes can be used on public bus transportation systems, including transit districts.
"Providing free bus passes to high schoolers isn't just about increasing affordability, it's about access," a CTDOT statement said. "These passes give students the flexibility to use bus services whenever and however they need - whether that's for getting to school, work, appointments or other daily activities."
Initially, school districts would have had to apply for grants to be eligible for the passes, but to "streamline the process," the two departments are using $1 million to fund around 28,000 bus passes to distribute to around 70 school districts and programs across the state.
The schools were selected based on proximity to bus routes, then allocated by the number of students enrolled who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals.
"There is no cost to the district or the student; the bus service provider will invoice CTDOT for the cost of the passes," said
an Aug. 28 memorandum sent by CSDE and CTDOT to superintendents of the school districts that will get the
According to the memorandum, the monthly passes will be the
best ones for students. The areas served by CTtransit will have passes good for 31 days for
students, while independent transit districts will each have their own passes of
different durations for schools.
The bus passes will be distributed in three batches and "districts should then provide those passes through their schools/programs to students who need them," the memorandum says.
"Providing students with free access to public bus services can help reduce transportation barriers and expand access to positive youth development opportunities, such as afterschool activities, summer enrichment, community-based programs and other experiences," a state Department of Education statement said.
School officials agree that the bus passes will be beneficial for students. Rebecca Gonzalez, chief operations officer for Waterbury Public Schools, said that for her district, "this is about more than transportation."
"It is about access and equity. We want every student to have the opportunity to attend school consistently and participate fully in the academic and extracurricular experiences available to them," she said.
Waterbury is receiving 2,331 bus passes over the school year.
Officials at the high schools and eligible programs will decide how to hand out the bus passes, but it will be done in a way "that best responds to the individual transportation needs of their students," Gonzalez said.
"We are working through the distribution process with our high schools and will communicate the process to families once it is finalized," she said. "Our goal is to make access to the passes as straightforward and equitable as possible."
For Greenwich High School, 313 bus passes will be provided. In a statement, the district said it is also finalizing how it will distribute the passes among students and will be in communication with families.
"Direct transit access provides a concrete solution for students historically sidelined by chronic absenteeism due to commute hurdles, bridging the gap for those lacking consistent personal transportation," a Greenwich Public Schools statement said.
In New Haven, Justin Harmon, the district's spokesperson, said students can request and pick up the bus passes at their school offices. In total, the district received 2,362 passes.
New Haven and Hartford have received funding in the past to help expand transportation access for students. Harmon said the
free public transportation helps with student attendance and gives families peace of mind that their kids have a way to get to
"They will help students who don't ride our school buses and those who participate in afterschool activities, including athletics and jobs," he said.
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This article originally published at Some CT school districts to begin giving out bus passes, offering students a free ride.