Close to 250,000 middle and high school students are enrolled in NYC schools.
To fully round out portfolios they must apply themselves to as many extra curriculars as possible. Schools cannot possibly offer clubs and programs for all interests and talents. For this reason NYC schools function as commuter schools for students seeking to enhance themselves. Internships, jobs, classes, and more are throughout the city and the boroughs. To get to these activities, transportation is almost always required. This means students are commuting at various hours and times, sometimes at night and on weekends.
However, DOE supplied student metro cards do not reflect this.
Currently students within a mile radius get ½ fare metro cards that only work on busses, making costs even more prohibitive for any activities that require commuting. The current student Metro Cards allow enough rides to get to and from school with a transfer, and limit students to make all travels before 8pm and are not valid for weekend commuting.
With metro card fees constantly on the rise many families are forced to heavily consider the cost of their child participating in outside programs that require commuter travel. The cost of paying for transportation can be very prohibitive, especially when families have multiple kids in multiple activities.
We all know that participation in student activities are essential for development and preparation/portfolio building towards college. Student metro cards should be available to all students and should be unlimited to give them the opportunity to enhance their interests and college profile.
