The old MetroCard for students only allowed three rides a day, and only Monday-Friday until 8pm, and not during the Summer. Following those parameters, it made sense that the student MetroCard was only made available to those students living over half a mile from their school or were not receiving bus transportation through IEPs. The new Student OmnyPass program, which was launched with the start of the 2024 school year allows for FOUR trips each day, with no block-out hours, and works seven days a week, 365 days a year. Thus, this program is not limiting the transportation benefit to getting to and from school, rather it is making the city more accessible to students.

Additionally, this program is not reflective of the evolving needs of our students and the diverse roles that the OmnyPass fulfills. The OmnyPass is much more than just a ticket to and from school; it provides students with access to the city, enabling them to engage with cultural experiences, part-time jobs, internships, and other educational opportunities that exist far beyond the school gates.

A study by the Center for an Urban Future found that 80% of the jobs added in New York between 2009 and 2019 were located in the outer boroughs (source: The Center for an Urban Future). Therefore, even students living less than a mile from their school may need to travel. Additionally, the American Public Transportation Association reports that public transportation offers independence, mobility, and choice for American teens (source: The American Public Transportation Association).

By extending the eligibility for the OmnyPass to students living less than a half a mile from school or who are currently receiving bus services through IEP's, we are helping to facilitate these opportunities for our youth and supporting their holistic development. Join us as we urge the Department of Education and the MTA to review and revise the OmnyPass eligibility rule in New York. Sign this petition today.