Mayor Villaraigosa Applauds MTA Approval of Free Transit for School Field Trips

New L.A. Metropolitan Transportation Authority Policy Will Let Students on School-Organized Trips Ride for Free on MTA Trains and Buses During the Day. End Quote

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) December 21, 2010 - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today praised the unanimous approval by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of a new policy that allows students on school-organized trips ride for free on MTA trains and buses during the day.

"By offering our students free transit during field trips, we allow them to take advantage of museums, programs and a variety of learning experiences that take place outside the classroom," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "In these tough economic times, it is important that we continue giving students many opportunities to learn especially for those students who do not have the resources for alternative transportation."

MTA will not suffer an increase in operating costs because service is already running, and no revenue loss because students would not otherwise be riding transit during school hours without this policy.

"Student field trips are a vital part of any good education, showing children all that the world outside their own communities has to offer," said Councilmember and Metro Director Jose Huizar. "Metro's role in ensuring student field trips can continue through this cost-neutrel plan cannot be underestimated. I am proud to lend my support and I applaud Mayor Villaraigosa for recognizing in a tough economy, it is imperative that we work together and engage in innovative, multi-agency planning to keep vital services operating."

"This is an incredible opportunity for our students, many of whom come from low-income families and otherwise might not be able to explore all the learning activities that our city has to offer," said Partnership for Los Angeles Schools CEO Marshall Tuck.

"Because MTA buses and trains have unused capacity during school hours, making free transit available for students is a 'win-win' policy for MTA," added Mayor Villaraigosa.

Following approval by the MTA Board, MTA management will be required to develop specific procedures for administering the policy and implement the system by the end of January 2011.

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