City Considering Free Sun Metro Bus Rides for Teens, Veterans

City council will consider allowing young people and veterans to ride Sun Metro buses free.

According to the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, there are a lot of teens from around the city who can’t get to non-profit programs Downtown because their families either don’t have cars or can’t afford transportation.

During the discussion, Northeast City Representative Carl Robinson said veterans have been asking for free Sun Metro rides for years.

Robinson said he would be in favor of the proposal, but is concerned about its cost. “Public transportation does not make money to begin with. It’s subsidized as it is,” Robinson said. “It’s a good initiative, but think about the unintended consequences.”

The city is going to research similar programs in other cities allowing young people in between 13 and 17 years old to ride the bus for free.

The city hopes to implement the program at least during the summer months.