San Antonio’s new initiative to offer free VIA bus fare to middle and high school students aims to combat chronic absenteeism by resolving transport issues.
SAN ANTONIO — A new plan aimed at keeping students in the classroom could soon give thousands of San Antonio families one less thing to worry about.
District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito is set to announce a proposal Monday that would provide free VIA bus fare for all middle and high school students across the city. The initiative, created in partnership with VIA Metropolitan Transit, would give eligible students access to all existing VIA routes.
City leaders hope the program will help address San Antonio’s high rate of chronic absenteeism — the highest among major cities in Texas. Research has long shown that students who miss school are more likely to struggle academically, face lower test scores, drop out of high school, and experience declines in social and emotional development.
A spokesperson for District 7 said ahead of the announcement that “research shows that two of the main contributing factors to chronic absenteeism in San Antonio include lack of transportation and frequent family moves or housing instability.”
Families and students will be required to sign up in order to receive the free bus passes. KENS 5 asked the councilwoman how much the program would cost the city and VIA, but her office said those details will be released during Monday morning’s announcement.
We will continue to follow this developing story and bring updates as they become available.