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HB 5460

AN ACT CONCERNING FREE BUS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Aundré Bumgardner and 8 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill proposes eliminating bus fares for all high school students statewide, reducing transportation barriers but requiring clarification on funding and implementation mechanisms.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation
#buses #highschools #masstransit #students
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Bill Summary · HB 5460

Legislative bill overview

HB 5460 proposes making public bus transportation free for all high school students in Connecticut. The bill would eliminate fares for this student population on public transit systems throughout the state. This represents an expansion of transit access specifically targeting secondary education students.

Why is this important

Free transit for high school students could increase school attendance, reduce transportation barriers for low-income families, and encourage public transit use among young people. The policy also affects municipal and state budgets, as transit authorities would lose fare revenue from this demographic while potentially gaining operational efficiency through increased ridership predictability.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: The bill does not specify how transit authorities will be compensated for lost fare revenue or whether state funds will cover the costs
  • Scope and eligibility: Questions remain about verification of student status, whether this applies to all transit systems statewide, and if private school students are included
  • Operational impact: Transit systems may face capacity constraints with increased ridership, requiring potential service expansions and associated costs
  • Equity concerns: Critics may argue resources should target lowest-income students specifically rather than all high school students

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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