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Community speakers urge Natomas Unified to continue funding 'free ride' student transit program
Summary
Speakers urged the board to continue funding the district's 'free ride' program, saying about 13,000 students may use it and reporting almost 4,000,000 trips last year; they asked trustees to ensure the program remains funded during budget discussions.
Community organizers and regional education officials urged the Natomas Unified Board to keep funding the district’s free-ride transit program during upcoming budget deliberations.
Sylvia Vasquez, a community organizer, told trustees the free-ride program provides access to school and extracurricular activities for many students and said "about 13,000 students in the district may use the free ride program," reporting that students used the program for nearly 4,000,000 trips last year. Vasquez said the program is particularly important for low-income students, youth in foster care and students experiencing housing instability.
Taylor Quiada (Chiata), identified as the vice president of the Sacramento City Unified School District Board, spoke in support of continuing funding and noted regional partners have previously shared costs. Both speakers asked the Natomas board to prioritize the program during budget discussions to preserve equitable access for students.
Board members did not take an immediate vote on funding at this meeting; the comments were placed in the public-record comment period for non-agenda items.
