Senator Andrew Gounardes Urges Reduced Fares for Students who Commute on Express Buses

Brooklyn, NY –   State Senator Andrew Gounardes today endorsed discounted fares for students who commute on express buses. The Senator sent a letter urging NYCT President Andy Byford and DOE Chancellor Richard Carranza to offer reduced-price student fares. For students who commute long distances, express buses are often the only viable option due to delays, shutdowns and diversions, and they pay around $2,700 each year just to get to and from school.

The proposal endorsed by Senator Gounardes has been gaining traction. A change.org petition was posted by two mothers from southern Brooklyn with 1,100 signatures from New York City residents so far.

“Every student deserves the right to a world-class education and simply getting to and from school should not be a barrier,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “These students are already commuting long hours to get to school each day. It’s time to offer students and their families the relief they deserve, so they can focus on what they need to do: learn.”

"As parents of students who need to take express buses to get to school, we sincerely thank Senator Gounardes for his immense support in proposing the MTA to lower the express bus fares for High School students. With his solid commitment, together we can achieve this. A lowered express bus fare would be a big financial relief to us and so many families across the city," said southern Brooklyn mothers Antoinetta Cutrona and Antoinette Rowdis.