Partial bus pass victory for Baltimore Algebra Project
MTA administrator Paul Wiedefeld has agreed to try extending student bus passes from 6:30 until 8 p.m. (without a stamped exemption) to allow for greater participation in extracurricular activities. The decision comes after intense lobbying by the Baltimore Algebra Project, whose members held a protest a few weeks ago. The Algebra Project wants students to get an all-day pass for unlimited bus trips at any time of day. But this is a start. The trial period will begin sometime in April or May (negotiations over a date are ongoing) and go until the end of the school year, at which point there will be an evaluation. The school district had requested the extension until 8 p.m.
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Comments
This is so amazing! During sports seasons, we have to stamp our passes after the given time when practice runs late. Most of the time, this makes me late for the bus, and some bus drivers don't recognize the stamp.
Posted by: Student | February 18, 2009 9:53 PM
This is great news, if only because I know how difficult and confused the stamping system is. I'm a coach, and sometimes practice runs until nearly 7pm, and after picking up equipment and changing, it can be pretty late by the time students get out of there. Some sports or activities get out even later. I make sure they all get on buses safely, but haven't yet figured out the stamping system. Students know they can get a stamp in the office, but the office closes at 4pm. I'm glad the MTA is being flexible and trying this out. Now, the key is keeping students safe who stay late.
Posted by: bmoreteach | February 18, 2009 11:20 PM
Kudos to the Algebra Project students for their hard work. I know this will enable many, many students to stay after school and participate in activities.
Posted by: Avalon | February 19, 2009 6:04 AM
Another solid victory for the best community organizers in this entire city
Posted by: Brandon | February 19, 2009 7:24 AM
That protest was a lot of fun. I remember I tried to walk inside the MTA Building (it was cold and windy) to make a phone call. I asked the security guard, "do you mind if I make a phone call in here?" He said, "are you with them?" (the BAP protest). I said, "yes I am" so he said, "no, can you please leave."
Very dumb move, obviously I should've said, "no I'm not with those obnoxious hooligans!"
This is great, should make the lacrosse season a little less logistically difficult.
Posted by: Corey | February 19, 2009 1:41 PM