Hope Is Free Bus Rides Give All Students A Chance

Duluth schools join with DTA to give high school students more access to classes and jobs.

This week Duluth schools kicked off a new partnership with the DTA.

It will allow for free bus rides for high school students. Under the pilot program, the student will simply show the driver their current ID.

School officials are calling it a game-changer, because not all students have their own car or easy access to one. The goal is to give every student an equal chance to attend classes and extra-curricular activities before and after regular hours.

During a live interview with FOX21’s Maria Vollom Wednesday morning, Assistant Superintendent Anthony Bonds said many students also have jobs they need to get to.

“Before school, after school, on the weekends, it’s available for them to take rides to work,” said Bonds.

“So, we believe this is just a great way for our students to get around the city and take advantage of not only things we offer at school, but also take advantage of employment opportunities as well,” said Bonds.

The program began Tuesday and will run through the end of the school year.

Bus drivers will keep a running tab on the number of students using the bus. If the program gets enough use and works well, the hope is to continue the program next year.