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Bill to make community college students ride transit free draws support and implementation concerns
Summary
Supporters said free transit would improve access to education; transit agencies and the Washington State Transit Association warned the state must address administrative costs and determine eligibility processes before the bill is implemented.
A bill to require transit agencies that receive transit support grant funds to allow certain community and technical college students to ride for free drew both applause and caution at a Transportation Committee public hearing.
Representative Jamila Taylor, sponsor of House Bill 2550, told the committee she had met with Highline College students who described rising costs and barriers to attending classes. “These are students who are trying to change their lives,” Taylor said, noting the average community college student’s age in testimony as about 29 and urging the committee’s support.
Supporters said free fares would expand access to education and economic mobility. Emily Rocco, a full-time Highline student and mother of three, said the change would ‘‘secure our…
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