Multiple community leaders, parents and advocacy groups urged the Sacramento City Unified School District board during public comment to preserve the Free RT student transit program, describing it as essential to student attendance, extracurricular access and equity.

Jay Cheniere, speaking on behalf of regional transit supporters, thanked district leaders for prior support and said about 25 percent of rides on the Free RT program are used by district students, noting that RT student ridership rebounded from COVID lows to millions of rides. Community organizers, including Sylvia Vasquez and several representatives of Sacramento ACT (All Congregations Together), described the program as critical for low‑income families, foster youth and students whose parents work multiple jobs.

Speakers urged the board to seek stable, long‑term funding, and asked the district to partner with the city and RT to make the program permanent rather than an annual budget item. Sue Simonelli of Sacramento ACT cited access and equity impacts, arguing that without Free RT the opportunity gap would widen, especially for Black and Brown students and families who face transportation barriers.

Board action: public comment only. Trustees did not debate or vote on the program during this meeting.

Ending: speakers invited trustees to work with community partners on long‑term funding strategies; some requested more outreach to families so eligible students can enroll in the program.