After much to-do, the MTA will most likely continue to offer kids free rides to school. A lawmaker with oversight of the MTA predicted today that they'll not cut student fares and that the city will take over paying for the program to support the city's youngsters.
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky who originally voted in favor of taking away funds for student fares, has had a change of heart. After a committee meeting on the issue, Brodsky told the Post he agrees the MTA shouldn't be picking up the tab for students' trips to school and that he is "confident there's going to be a good outcome."
The dramatic turnaround can be attributed to widespread protest and displeasure over the decision to end subsidized travel for youths. Mayor Bloomberg called the move "unconscionable." Community activists said that eliminating subsidized travel to and from school will raise juvenile crime rates. Students have protested, too. Twice. Were the student metrocards taken away, 500,000 students would have to pay half fare come September, and full fare the next year.
