Support Free Student Bus Fares in Connecticut: Ensuring CT SB00237 Passes

Ned Lamont

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Here's our 9 reasons why you should sign. Signing this petition will... 

  1. Increase equity by providing mobility to all youth, not just those with cars.
  2. Reduce family transportation costs, which can be a significant burden for low income families.
  3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  4. Reduce air pollution which negatively impacts public health.
  5. Create safer streets and neighborhoods by reducing car traffic and having more people walking.
  6. Improve bus system by increasing ridership and support
  7. Increase student access to internships, jobs, and afterschool activities.
  8. Promote long term mode changes as youth get accustomed to riding transit.
  9. Recognize the need to offset significant increasing climate costs youth face.
Petition by
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New Haven Climate Movement
New Haven, Connecticut

To: Ned Lamont
From: [Your Name]

Dear Governor Lamont,

I am a high school student from Connecticut, writing to urge you to support free bus passes for youth across our state.

Free student transit would immediately reduce transportation costs for Connecticut families. This is especially important for those for whom daily fares are a real burden, like in most urban centers of our state. At the same time, it would expand access to internships, part-time jobs, and afterschool programs that many students currently cannot reach without reliable transportation.

Providing free bus passes would also increase equity across Connecticut. Mobility should not depend on whether a student’s family owns a car. Universal transit access ensures that all young people, regardless of income or zip code, can participate fully in school and community life. For example, in a recent Hartford pilot program, students given fully free transit widely started using public buses to commute to and from school.

Increased youth ridership would strengthen long-term support for Connecticut’s public transit system while reducing emissions and air pollution from daily car trips. As climate-related costs continue to rise for younger generations, investing in accessible public transportation is a necessary step to a more affordable and sustainable future.

Connecticut has an opportunity to lead by supporting a policy that lowers costs for families, expands opportunity for students, and strengthens our transportation system. I hope you will consider championing free fare bus passes for youth statewide.

Thank you for your time and service to our state.

Sincerely,
A student, wanting to take the bus.