Hartford City Council member advocates for free bus fare for high school students

Hartford City Council member Josh Michtom urged the Connecticut Transportation Committee to support Senate Bill 1243, which proposes free bus fare for high school students. Speaking at the public hearing on February 10, 2025, Michtom highlighted the financial burden that transit costs impose on young people in Hartford, where the median income is significantly lower than the state average.

Michtom, who also serves as the director of the Veil Welfare Project at the Center for Children's Advocacy, emphasized that the $3.50 round trip fare can be prohibitive for students who need to travel for work and school activities. He noted that this expense can accumulate to nearly $80 a month, a substantial amount for families struggling to make ends meet.

During his testimony, Michtom shared personal experiences from the pandemic when public transit was free. He observed that the lack of fare barriers allowed his children and their friends to engage in positive social activities, rather than being confined to their homes or local streets. He argued that providing free bus fare would not only enhance access to transportation but also promote community involvement and academic success among teenagers.

In response to questions about funding, Michtom indicated that the city of Hartford's budget is already stretched thin, making it unlikely that local education boards or city budgets could absorb the costs associated with providing free public transportation.

The committee's consideration of this bill could significantly impact Hartford's youth, providing them with greater access to opportunities and resources essential for their development.