CUNY Student Senate advocates for free MetroCards to alleviate transportation barriers

In a vibrant gathering at City Hall, advocates for CUNY students passionately addressed the pressing issue of financial barriers hindering their educational journeys. The meeting, held on April 29, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for support systems that go beyond tuition, focusing on essential resources like transportation and educational materials.

Akeem Pollack, the vice chair for legislative affairs of the University Student Senate, represented over 245,000 CUNY students, emphasizing the critical role of free public transportation in ensuring access to education. "You cannot begin to learn until you arrive at a CUNY campus," he stated, advocating for free MetroCards to eliminate what he described as a "quiet but persistent barrier" to college completion. Pollack pointed out that the University Student Senate has been actively gathering data and support for this initiative, with over 5,000 students signing a petition for free transportation.

The discussion also touched on the importance of open educational resources, which provide students with no-cost course materials from the start of classes. Pollack shared his personal experience of spending $200 on a textbook for a single assignment, illustrating the financial strain many students face. He argued that the rising cost of living, coupled with expenses like transportation and childcare, creates significant obstacles to higher education.

The meeting underscored a broader advocacy effort to fully fund the educational experience at CUNY, with Pollack urging city officials to recognize the importance of addressing these financial barriers. As the conversation concluded, the call for action was clear: providing free MetroCards and accessible educational resources is essential for empowering students to succeed in their academic pursuits. The future of CUNY students hangs in the balance, and the need for systemic change has never been more urgent.