City Council Approves District 7 Councilmember’s Free Bus Pass Program

Published on January 15, 2026

City Council Approves District 7 Councilmember’s Free Bus Pass Program for Youth

SAN ANTONIO (January 15, 2026) – Today, City Council approved funding for an initiative led by District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito to provide free VIA Metropolitan Transit bus passes to middle and high school students, removing transportation barriers that prevent students from getting to school and after-school opportunities.

Alderete Gavito stated, “This is a transformational program to support our city’s youth. No child should miss school, tutoring, or after-school programs simply because they cannot get there.

“San Antonio leads the state in chronic absenteeism, with nearly one in four San Antonio ISD students missing at least 10 percent of the school year. Research consistently shows that chronic absenteeism is linked to lower literacy rates, lower graduation rates, higher rates of justice involvement, and a wide range of long-term social and economic challenges.

“When we remove transportation barriers, we give students a real chance to succeed. This program helps students show up consistently and opens doors to opportunity beyond the classroom.”

The partnership with VIA has already begun enrolling families and is designed to directly address transportation as one of the most common reasons students miss school.

In addition to improving daily attendance, the free bus passes expand access to tutoring, enrichment, and after-school activities that depend on reliable transportation.

The District 7 office’s investment is an initial step toward making the program permanent, with efforts underway to secure additional public and private funding.

“This is just the beginning,” Alderete Gavito said. “We’re investing in our kids today and strengthening San Antonio’s future.”