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Calls Increase For Free Youth Rides On SF Muni

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Advocates of free Muni rides for youth packed Tuesday's meeting of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, adding to the growing political pressure to approve free rides.

It was time Tuesday for another session of public comment on the MTA budget, and that meant youth advocates packed the hearing room, demanding free rides for young people.

Members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors lent their voices, with four of them leaving their own meeting to attend the transit board meeting.

"I think that actually it's going to be a huge benefit to our city in the end," said Supervisor Jane Kim.

"The city really needs to provide this, because school is mandatory. It's not something that's a choice to children," said Supervisor Christina Olague.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

David Campos and Eric Mar were the other two supervisors who attended the meeting.

This demand for free Muni rides for youth comes as the transit agency grapples with a $53 million shortfall over the next two years. Officials are also considering proposals to raise Muni fast pass fares and parking fees, along with operating parking meters on nights and weekends.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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