Privileged Students Ride MTA Free? Why?

Earlier this year, MTA began its annual screeching campaign that its coffers had run dry, so service would be slashed, lines cut and entire bus routes sacrificed. Mayor Bloomberg was obviously having his nails done, because he simply shrugged, as fares were raised from $2 to $2.25, among the highest hikes in history.

Now, fewer than six months later, MTA is again sobbing that it can't afford to move the masses. Among the cuts this time: free transportation for students. Suddenly, the media is in an uproar.

Hold on just a minute... Why in god's name are students privy to FREE transportation? What is not being publicized: Student MetroCards can be used up to three times daily for the subway or bus. A four-trip card is handed to students with a 2+-hour commute.

Might someone explain why students need to travel 2 hours from home, unless they are enrolled in private or charter schools? Public education is bountiful in NYC. If parents enroll their kids in expensive schools far from the nabes they reside in, why the hell am I subsidizing their transportation? Secondly, getting to and from school requires a "here" and a "there" fare. Three rides? Four rides? Why?

Free fares for students were initiated more than 50 years ago, post-Depression, when fares rose from 5 cents to 10 cents. The remaining incentive is clearly an abuse utilized by parents who obviously have plenty of money to pay for their kiddies' upscale schooling. Enough with uninformed media scrutiny: The free fare should be excised. Ten percent of the city's residents are currently unemployed. If there are savings to be had, spread it to the city at large, instead of those already cashing in on privilege.