BROOKLYN COLLEGE— Students, faculty, and advocates marched across boroughs on Friday, March 27, calling for free OMNY cards and increased funding for the City University of New York.
The march began near Brooklyn Borough Hall and ended at City Hall, where elected officials and organizers delivered speeches. During the march, demonstrators emphasized that rising transportation costs are making it harder for students to attend classes, work, and stay enrolled.
The event came one day after the introduction of a state bill aiming to create a pilot program providing CUNY students with up to five free transit rides per weekday. The proposal, Senate Bill S9581, was introduced on March 26 and is currently under consideration.
It also comes during ongoing budget negotiations at both the state and city levels. On April 1, the New York City Council released its response to the mayor’s preliminary budget, outlining priorities as discussions continue.
