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City approves "Zip Youth Mobility" ordinance to provide free bus rides to K-12 students
Summary
Council approved an ordinance to support Zip Youth Mobility, offering free rides to kindergarten through 12th-grade students to increase transit access to education and community services; staff noted 2025 youth-pass revenue of about $11,000 and that year-round implementation could affect revenues.
Beaumont City Council approved an ordinance on Aug. 4 supporting the Zip Youth Mobility program to provide cost-free bus rides to kindergarten-through-12th-grade students. Demi Engman, director of planning and community development, presented background showing the program's goal is to increase youth ridership, access to education and jobs, and long-term transit participation.
Staff noted that youth passes in 2025 generated approximately $11,000 in fare revenue and that implementing the program year-round would mean foregoing similar revenues in the coming fiscal year; Engman said fiscal impacts would be reflected in forecasting and budget discussions. Council heard no public speakers and voted to approve the ordinance; staff said the initiative supports equity and increased transit participation among youth.
Council members asked operational and budget questions; Engman and transit staff described next steps, including program implementation logistics and potential adjustments to service and budget projections.
