A 2021 report found that only about 57% of community colleges are accessible to public transit
Average community college student spends $1,930 per year on commuting costs
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Promoting Advancement Through Transit Help (PATH) to College Act. The PATH to College Act would increase access to public transportation for college students by establishing a new grant program for public transit providers. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1).
“A lack of reliable transportation should never be an obstacle to receiving an education,” said Senator Casey. “By expanding access to public transit, this legislation will help students spend more time on their studies and less time worrying about how they’re going to get to school.”
The PATH to College Act authorizes funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher education and transit agencies for the purpose of improving transit accessibility for students attending community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions by adding public transit stops or routes or similar third-party transit options that serve college campuses and surrounding areas. Award priority would be given to postsecondary institutions with a large number of Pell-eligible students to target access improvements for low-income students most in need.
This bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
This bill is endorsed by Higher Learning Advocates, the Institute for Higher Education Policy, uAspire, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
Read more about the Promoting Advancement Through Transit Help (PATH) to College Act here.
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