NYC Public School Students Face OMNY Card Limitation
NYC public school students will be distributed Student OMNY Cards this year, instead of Student MetroCards. However, a significant subset of the city’s school children are excluded from the free school transportation program due to a half-mile radius restriction.
Restriction Excludes Thousands of Students
Public school students in grades kindergarten through 12 who live less than a half-mile from their designated school are not eligible for the free school transportation program. Elected officials and parents are urging city and state officials to lift the restriction, citing it as unfair and exclusionary.
Potential Consequences
The restriction excludes thousands of special education students, as well as students who participate in activities or have part-time jobs after school. Manhattan Council Member Keith Powers said parents in his district are concerned that their children are being left out of the program. He added that the restriction has the potential to create a significant financial burden on NYC families.
DOE Reviewing Options
For their part, DOE officials said the department is "reviewing options" for the future. The DOE is partnering with the MTA to provide student OMNY cards that can be used four times a day, 365 days a year. However, Powers and other Manhattan elected officials are pushing for a more inclusive program.
Break Economic Barriers
Danielle King, a PTA co-president at P.S. 116, said she is supportive of students receiving free access to public transportation regardless of where they live. She believes that eliminating the restriction can break economic barriers and allow students and their families to travel around New York City and use mass transit.
Conclusion
The exclusion of thousands of NYC public school students from the OMNY card program is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Lifting the half-mile radius restriction would provide a significant benefit to students and families, and would help to break economic barriers. City and state officials must work together to find a solution that is fair and inclusive for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are some NYC public school students excluded from the OMNY card program?
A: Students who live less than a half-mile from their designated school are not eligible for the free school transportation program.
Q: What are the consequences of this exclusion?
A: Thousands of special education students and students who participate in activities or have part-time jobs after school are affected.
Q: What is the MTA’s stance on this issue?
A: The MTA has referred questions to the DOE, citing that the city agency ultimately determines student eligibility.
Q: What is the DOE’s position on this issue?
A: The DOE is "reviewing options" for the future and is partnering with the MTA to provide student OMNY cards.
