03/23/2009
source - MTA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MTA Agrees to Pilot Program to Extend Hours for Local School Students
Program implemented at the request of Baltimore City Public Schools

Baltimore, MD (March 23, 2009) – The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is announcing a new pilot program that extends the hours for student riding privileges. At the request of Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), student advocacy groups and elected officials, beginning April 1, 2009, student tickets issued by BCPS will be accepted on school days on Local Bus, Metro Subway and Light Rail until 8:00 pm. Under the prior policy MTA accepted tickets until 6:30 pm.
 
According to BCPS officials, the longstanding practice of approving late travel for individual students was cumbersome and discouraged participation in afternoon school-sponsored activities. In a letter to BCPS Chief Executive Officer Andres A. Alonso establishing the pilot program, MTA Administrator Paul J. Wiedefeld expressed MTA’s commitment to provide safe, reliable public transportation for all MTA customers, including BCPS students. On school days between the hours of 6:00am – 8:00pm, students will be required to have two tickets in their possession for travel to and from school and a student identification card issued by BCPS.
 
The pilot program will be in effect through the end of the current school year only and will be subject to evaluations before the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year to determine continuation. The MTA will closely monitor any comments or observations from school neighborhoods, local businesses, law enforcement, parents, students and administrators during the program period. 

For more information on MTA services, schedules and fares please call 410-539-5000 or 866-RIDE-MTA (TTY 410-539-3497) or visit www.mtamaryland.com. To sign up to receive emails about service modifications and delays, go to www.mtamaryland.com and click “Email Notification.”

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