Seattle moves one step closer to free transit for all public high-school students

[TexasTowelie]

The Seattle City Council moved Tuesday to give free public-transit passes to all Seattle public high-school students, shuffling around funds that voters approved in 2014 to expand bus service.

The City Council’s transportation committee approved Mayor Jenny Durkan’s proposal to spend up to $7 million a year on the ORCA Opportunity program, which would give free bus and light-rail access to students.

The program initially would apply only to high-school students and students attending Seattle colleges on city-funded scholarships, and would cost about $5 million a year. But the legislation allows the higher $7 million funding level, leaving open the possibility for a future expansion to grades K-12.

The plan, which will go before the full City Council in the coming weeks, would make Seattle the largest city in the country to give free, year-round transit service to all high-school students, according to the mayor’s office.

Read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-moves-one-step-closer-to-free-transit-for-all-public-high-school-students/

[LisaM]

1. What do they mean, shuffle around?

I have already lost many direct buses from the North End to downtown. And, how are they going to train drivers to handle students? Finally, how do they ensure that commuter buses will have enough spaces (this has been a problem before). I think this is going to be another well-meaning train wreck. Lastly, are they going to imbue the students with any sense of bus etiquette? This sounds like another bait and switch with the money we voted to increase our bus service. I depend on buses and I can't deal with any more disruptions.