The past 2 weeks have been full of intense work by Youth on the Move and our allies in the Urban Youth Collaborative, in response to the MTA's planned cuts of the free metrocards provided to NYC students.
YOM & UYC have turned out hundreds of youth to call on the MTA to use the money in the capital budget to maintain the vital student metrocard program. In response to YOM/UYC demands, MTA president Jay Walder agreed to hold a public hearing on March 17.
As reported in the NY Daily News, (Angry high school students put MTA to test on free Metrocards, Chairman Walder agrees to hearing):
[Youth on the Move member] Valerie Bynaar reminded Walder that he had not responded to a letter students had sent to him and Mayor Bloomberg months ago asking for a public hearing, [UYC Organizer Hiram] Rivera said.
"She asked him again if he was willing to meet with them, and when Walder did not respond, the students in the room began to chant, 'Answer, answer,'" Rivera said. "In the end, Walder agreed to the March 17 hearing."
Valerie was also quoted in the March 5th NY Daily News editorial, Bronx kids take on MTA: Plead for discounted MetroCards to stay:
"Grownups always say that kids are the future," said 14-year-old Valerie Bynaar, who travels from the Bronx to
Additional coverage:
WBAI's Wakeup Show: http://archive.wbai.org/files/mp3/100309_070001wuc.MP3
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