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Committee backs SFMTA plan to provide free Clipper passes to low/moderate‑income 19–22 special‑education students
Summary
The committee recommended a budget amendment to provide free Muni passes to low and moderate‑income special‑education students aged 19–22; the budget analyst recommended clarifying that the benefit is targeted to low/moderate‑income students and estimated reduced revenues of about $163,000 annually to be absorbed by SFMTA.
The Budget & Finance Committee on Sept. 4 recommended forwarding a resolution to amend SFMTA’s FY15–16 budget and fare table to provide free Clipper passes to 19–22‑year‑old special‑education students who are low and moderate income.
Diana Hammonds of SFMTA said the program would replace monthly pass purchases by the school district so the district could redirect funds to direct services for special‑education students. Hammonds said the item is year four of a five‑year CDC grant cycle for related programs and that community organizations such as Aguilas receive funding through the grant structure.
The budget analyst recommended amending the resolution to clarify that the free passes are designated for low and moderate‑income students, consistent with the MTA board’s intent, and estimated the revenue loss to SFMTA at about $163,000 annually; the department would absorb that reduction within its operating budget.
Deputy City Attorney John Givner told the committee the Board of Supervisors cannot change an MTA board budget resolution except by rejecting it with a 7‑of‑11 vote; staff said the amendment clarifies intent rather than attempting to alter the MTA board’s action.
Committee members asked how low‑/moderate‑income thresholds are defined; SFMTA staff said the threshold used is 100% of Bay Area median income (for a family of four, approximately $97,000 as stated in the hearing). A public commenter asked whether removing the income restriction would materially change program costs; SFMTA staff said the incremental population would be modest and that the proposed language aligns with board intent.
The committee moved the amended resolution forward without objection. The MTA board of directors previously approved the policy on Aug. 19 as noted in the staff presentation.
