Free Muni Youth Pass Program Needs Funding

Proposal depends on $5 million from regional agency

Free Muni passes for San Francisco youths will get another look from the regional transportation body this week.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's board of directors approved the pilot program last month, which would provide free Muni passes for low-income young people. The plan, however, relies on receiving $5 million from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area's lead transit financing agency.

The MTC will hold its first policy debate on the program Wednesday, although several board members have already expressed concern that the plan would use regional funding for a program that would only benefit San Francisco residents.

There's also concern that such programs will negatively impact Muni's funding.

No action will be taken in Wednesday's meeting, and a final decision isn't expected until June. The SFMTA says, if the funding request is turned down, the city agency will cancel plans for the program.

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