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Youth commission and dozens of students urge supervisors to oppose proposed Muni youth FastPass increase to $30
Summary
Dozens of youth, youth commissioners and community groups urged the Board to oppose a Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposal to raise the youth FastPass to $30 a month. Speakers proposed a youth lifeline pass pegged to free/reduced lunch eligibility and asked supervisors to use their influence with the SFMTA.
Scores of young people, youth commissioners and community advocates used the Board's public comment period to press supervisors to oppose a proposed fare increase that would raise the youth FastPass to $30 per month.
Young speakers said the proposed hike — scheduled to increase to $20 in April and proposed to reach $30 later — would place a new burden on students and low-income families who depend on Muni daily. "A 300% price increase over one calendar year focused on our youth and seniors is not equitable," said Leah Lacroix, a youth commissioner and coauthor of a youth commission resolution urging alternatives. Juan Sansemario, a 17-year-old student, told the Board the hike would be unaffordable for families living on minimum wage: "$15 to $30 ... most of the people living in San Francisco are living off minimum wage, and not a lot of people can afford that," he said.
The youth commission and other speakers asked supervisors to press the SFMTA to keep the youth FastPass at $20 and to establish a youth "lifeline" reduced-price pass for students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch (a proxy for low income). Several speakers noted that the adult lifeline pass is available to low-income adults at specified thresholds and argued for parity for young people.
Supervisors acknowledged the public comments and several members said they would take the input into account. The transcript records no formal Board action on fares at this meeting; the public comment focused on urging supervisory advocacy with the SFMTA board and on highlighting equity consequences for students and families.
Ending
The meeting's public comment made clear that youth and education advocates will keep the fare question on the Board's radar as the SFMTA finalizes midyear budget proposals. Many speakers said they planned to attend forthcoming SFMTA board meetings to press the case.
