Think back to your first job. You’re filling out an application, and it asks, “Do you have reliable transportation?” For some, the answer to this question is more complicated than others. As an employer, a “no” is a red flag for absences or tardiness. FOX 17 News Station honed in on teen transportation issues and their ability to get to work as a part of their more extensive initiative, “A Path Forward.”
Together, FOX 17 worked with The Rapid and The Village 99 to complete an initiative to give teens with difficulty getting to work a free one-month bus pass.
They called it “A Rapid Path Forward.”
The campaign distributed 108 bus passes across 5 organizations supporting their youth workforce. By removing transportation barriers, these teens can earn wages and contribute to the economy, significantly impacting their personal growth and community engagement. This initiative is a testament to the positive impact we can have on our community when we work together.
The Rapid was excited to be a part of this initiative because it exposed young people to the bussing system.
“Our public transportation system is infrastructure the six cities have invested in for years. Partnering with FOX 17 and Village 99 is a proud moment for us to help solve an access problem,” said Cassi Cooper, Engagement and Digital Specialist for The Rapid. “[The Rapid] is an access company, whether it’s access to education, employment, healthcare, or the arts and cultural events our cities have to offer. Many community partners are working behind the scenes to support mobility within our region, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive.“
The success of the initiative has prompted the Path Forward Advisory Committee to consider expanding the program. This potential expansion could offer bus passes to youth workers who would benefit from them after the school year begins, providing hope for further positive change.
Hear how access to transportation impacted one teen’s ability to get to work in this FOX 17 story
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