KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — It may not be as big a deal as the Kalamazoo Promise, but City Commissioners voted Monday night to create another major benefit for the youth of the community.
The city will pick up the cost of unlimited Metro bus rides for Kalamazoo Public High School students beginning this fall.
Foundation for Excellence Coordinator Steve Brown says the same ID card will double as a library card.
Mayor Bobby Hopewell praised the move and said it removes a critical barrier for teens.
They plan a public roll-out of the program later this spring.
It will begin when KPS issues their new ID cards to the student body this fall.
A $250,000 Youth Mobility Fund has already been allocated from the Foundation for Excellence to cover the cost. The final price tag depends on how often students use the buses.
(copy written by John McNeill)
