Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Portland City Council announced its support Wednesday for a pilot program to give free public transit passes to students in Multnomah County.

The plan comes as TriMet is experiencing record ridership and plans to raise fares.  Andrew Theen reports.

The Multnomah Youth Commission wants to emulate a similar program in Lane County.

Sixth through twelfth graders would get a sticker for their student ID cards, allowing unlimited access to TriMet buses, MAX, and the Portland Streetcar.

The funding for the pilot program comes from the state's Business Energy Tax Credit.

Youth Commission co-chair Jack MacNichol says many details are yet to be finalized.  But he says giving students free transportation eases congestion and creates new, lifelong habits.

Jack MacNichol: "If you had a free bus pass in high school and rode the bus all the time, you're more likely to ride the bus when you're an adult. And it gives the students opportunities to participate in educational opportunities outside the classroom and throughout the community."

TriMet officials say they're committed to a pilot program at one school in the fall.  All told student tickets account for over $7 million annually.