Petition for Free MetroCards for CUNY Students
New York State Legislature, Governor’s Office of New York, City of New York, CUNY Administration
As students of CUNY, we are committed to our education and futures. However, many of us face significant financial burdens simply to access our classrooms, internships, extracurricular activities, and professional opportunities. The cost of public transportation is a barrier that impacts thousands of students across all 25 CUNY campuses, affecting our ability to thrive academically and personally.
Each day, students like us rely on the New York City subway and bus systems to commute to campus. Yet, with transportation fares increasing, many students are forced to make difficult choices—choosing between getting to class or meeting other basic needs like food and housing.
Free MetroCards would:
- Reduce the financial burden of transportation, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal well-being.
- Increase access to academic, professional, and extracurricular opportunities, making it easier for students to engage with their education.
- Promote retention and graduation rates, as students with reliable and affordable transportation are more likely to succeed and complete their degrees on time.
- Ensure greater equity in education by removing a barrier that disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds.
We believe that education should not come with the added burden of transportation costs. Free MetroCards will ensure that all CUNY students have equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
By signing this petition, we urge the New York State Legislature and Governor’s Office to fund and implement Free MetroCards for CUNY students as a vital step toward creating a more accessible and equitable education system.
Join us in advocating for a future where all students have the support they need to succeed.
Together, we can make a difference.
Petition by
To:
New York State Legislature, Governor’s Office of New York, City of New York, CUNY Administration
From:
[Your Name]
Hello,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you representing the City University of New York (CUNY) to urge you to support an important initiative that will help ensure greater access to education for thousands of CUNY students. We, the undersigned, are petitioning the New York State Legislature to fund free MetroCards for all students enrolled in the CUNY system.
CUNY provides affordable, high-quality education to over 225,000 students across 25 campuses in New York City. However, for many students, the daily costs associated with commuting pose a significant financial burden that prevents them from fully engaging in academic, extracurricular, and professional opportunities. This transportation cost is particularly challenging for low-income students and those commuting from long distances.
Many students are forced to choose between attending class or meeting basic living expenses, with the cost of transportation being a major factor in that decision. This creates unnecessary barriers to success and prevents students from reaching their full potential.
Our Request:
We respectfully ask the New York State Legislature to prioritize funding for free MetroCards for all CUNY students. By making this investment, we can help remove a significant financial burden that many students face and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality education without unnecessary barriers.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your support of this vital initiative that will enhance the lives and education of students throughout New York City.