The University High School Social Justice League is continuing their fight for free city bus passes for students. “Since October, students have taken 12,708 rides, with 654 unique rides; kids are using it during the school week, likely to get to and from school,” said UHSSE principal Sean Tomany.
Surveys have been taken to see why students want a bus pass. 30% of them are using it for community programs, 23% of them are using it for a job/internship, 32% are using it for school sports, 15% are using it for school clubs, 19% are using it to seek homework/academic support, 32% are using it for family support, 47% are using it for social activities, and 1% are using it for a program with a nonprofit.
Other questions that the survey asked included how often students used their bus passes to get to school in one month and what transportation options their families had. 39% of the students used it a few times a week, 31% of them used it every day, 15% of them used it once a week, and 12% of them never used it. Regarding the options for transportation in their families, 45% of the families share one car, 30% of them have more than one car, 34% of them walk to school, 48% of them take the bus, 6% of them use a bike/scooter, and 5% of them use a different way for transportation.
In terms of working with lawmakers, Mr. Tomany said that former Connecticut State Representative Jeff Currey, who is now an aide to House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, has been extremely helpful in this process. So he and the Social Justice League are trying to create a reputation so that lawmakers know who they are and what they stand for. He, along with Nariyah Lindsay ‘25, Nayeli Figueroa ‘26, Oluwaseyi Oluborode ‘26, and Rodrigue Akourmani ’27 spoke at a press conference and testified at the state capitol in February.
Students have said that they have a variety of reasons for fighting for the bus passes.
“I was inspired to join the club to advocate for students like myself who needed extra resources to get around our community,” said Figueroa. “Transportation is a huge issue in our community and is needed for day-to-day activities. I knew I wanted to be a voice for change, and that is why I joined the Social Justice League.”
In the past, due to not having access to transportation, students have had to sit out on available opportunities. Free bus passes have allowed students to get to school on time and not have to miss a day because of unreliable transportation. Figueroa also shared that she has seen her peers have access to sports, tutoring, and clubs, and they have even participated in community events and become more connected with others.
They are also always welcoming new members to their club. They have a variety of options for their new members to have their voices heard. Including social media, advocacy, giving speeches, and more during their meetings on Tuesdays in the STEM center from 7:35 to 8:00 a.m. Anyone who would like to join or has a suggestion regarding other issues they could tackle is more than welcome to stop by during one of these meetings.
