Staten Island teen requests free express bus access for students

Daeun Kim, a 17-year-old student from Staten Island, has issued a viral social media plea to Mayor Mamdani requesting that express bus rides be included in the free public transit benefits provided via OMNY cards.

Kim, a student at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, highlighted the financial burden placed on working-class immigrant families. She noted that her parents have spent approximately $18,270 on bus fares over the last four years to transport her and her brother to school in Manhattan. While students receive free rides on many public transit routes, express buses are currently excluded from this benefit.

Kim explained that while a free ferry is available, it is not a practical alternative for many Staten Island students due to distance and increased travel time. Using the express bus allows for a 90-minute commute, whereas using the ferry and subway would extend the trip to three hours. The express bus currently costs $7.25 each way, totaling $14.50 per child daily.