The Sacramento City Council could ensure that more students arrive at school every day, as future lifelong transit riders, by offering free public transit.
Sacramento school officials say far too many students are "chronically absent" from school, and the primary cause of those absences are a lack of transportation.
In response, the city is considering a proposal that would "let all children in kindergarten through 12th grade who live or go to school in Sacramento ride public transit — buses and light rail — for free," according to an article by Theresa Clift.
"Sacramento Regional Transit estimates the program would increase ridership to 40,000 students in its first year, a 600 percent increase from today, Schenirer said. The councilman hopes many children who take the free transit would continue on as transit riders as adults, which helps reduce greenhouse gases," writes Clift.
City Councilmember Jay Schenirer is asking the city of Sacramento to pend $1 million of its fiscal year 2019-20 budget to fund the first year of the program.
FULL STORY: Sacramento kids may soon be able to ride public transit for free
Philadelphia Could Lose Free Transit Program
The city’s upcoming budget doesn’t include the Zero Fare program, which offers free SEPTA fare to more than 24,000 residents.
Popular Tampa Bus Route Going Fare-Free
The initiative, which starts on January 5, is funded by parking fees.
Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free
Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions