Students pay $34 a week or $132 a month to commute to school with an unlimited MetroCard.
But when going to a CUNY school that stresses the idea of affordability, why aren’t half-off or free rides offered to students?
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander wrote in a report, “CUNY’s schools are among the best in the country at helping low- and moderate-income families move up the socioeconomic ladder.”
According to the 2022 CollegeNET Social Mobility Income Index report, the typical CUNY student comes from a family with an annual income of $20,000, with 57% of students receiving Pell Grants and 49% working for pay.
Unfortunately, when students spend $1,320 yearly on transportation, CUNY doesn’t feel affordable for all.
NYC high school students are given free OMNY cards to ensure “accessibility.” The budget to cover the expenses was $75.5 million, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimated that it would cost them around $150 million, the New York Post reported.
So, why not provide it to college students who need it just as badly?
Fair Fares is an alternative, but only those who come from households that have an income of 145% below the Federal Poverty Limit are eligible, which seems unfairly restrictive.
As CUNY schools are often referred to as “commuter schools,” helping students afford their commute should be a given.
