Westchester advocates demand free bus rides for young people
A group of young people in Yonkers rallied in Getty Square on Tuesday to make transportation accessible for all.
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A group of young people in Yonkers rallied in Getty Square on Tuesday to make transportation accessible for all.
Jordan Mendez is a youth advocate who said he relies on the Bee-Line Bus to get around town.
"I do community internships and also volunteer a lot," Mendez said.
But with fares adding up, he said it's getting harder for him and his friends to stay involved.
It's why they launched a campaign in Yonkers to call on Westchester County to provide free bus rides for people 25 and under.
"It's $2.75, at least, and then we're going back and forth," Mendez said. "That's money that's not being put towards school supplies, that's money that's not being put towards feeding your kids when they're hungry during the day."
Mia Uzcategui-Dommar, of the Ossining Youth Bureau, said the movement is in response to proposed legislation that would establish civil penalties for fare evasion on the Bee-Line.
"I think it's really obvious that this proposed legislation would disproportionately affect youth of color," Uzcategui-Dommar said. "The buses are, for me, the only way I am able to get to work."
County Executive Ken Jenkins issued a statement saying he's willing to meet with the group, but added that, "The county is currently projected to have a $25 million budget shortfall, and our current financial structure does not allow us to offer free bus service."
In the meantime, adults, like Sade Gilcrest, said they're proud of the young people for speaking out.
"I'm boots on the ground, so I do think it's important," Gilcrest said.
Mendez said his campaign will continue through different activations online and in-person.
