Every day, tens of thousands of Philadelphia students - public, private and parochial - ride yellow school buses or receive free transpasses to ensure that they get to school safely and without cost. In an effort to save $38.5 million, the School District of Philadelphia has announced it will eliminate free transportation for all public, private and parochial students beginning in September 2011.  Here's what that costs hardworking families in a city where one out of three children lives below poverty level:

New York City and Portland, OR provide their students with free transportation. If we're committed to quality education, we must maintain a free and accessible transportation system for all school-aged children.

  
Why should the city pay?

• Because the city contribution to the public schools hasn't significantly changed since 2007;
• Because communities fought to improve the District's share of property tax revenue in 2007, and last year City Hall reduced that share from 60% to 55% - a difference of almost $60 million;
• Because a targeted use of increased city funds makes sense for parents and fiscal watchdogs;
• Because we can't fight for more funding in Harrisburg without the City showing its investment in its own schools.
• Because if anyone deserves a free ride, it's thousands of school aged children in Philadelphia who need a free and safe ride to school!

 Sign the petition here!