As a resident who is actively engaged in Safe Routes to School (SRTS) efforts, I see firsthand how transportation gaps limit students’ ability to access school, participate in after-school activities, and move independently throughout our community. Lakewood is a walkable city, but walking and biking alone cannot meet every student’s needs, especially when distance, weather, scheduling, or disability create barriers. Transit is an essential complement to SRTS, not a replacement.
The Youth Council is right to highlight chronic absenteeism. Students cannot benefit from academic, social, or extracurricular opportunities when they cannot reliably travel to them. Improved transportation would expand safe, sustainable mobility for our youth, reduce inequities, and support Lakewood’s climate, equity, and Complete & Active Streets goals.
I recognize that implementing a circulator or similar service will require significant planning and investment. With that in mind, I respectfully request that the Youth Council consider supporting an immediate, lower-cost interim step: Provide every middle and high school student with an RTA transit pass.
This approach is already used successfully by other districts and cities and directly supports:
• Better access to school, especially for those facing transportation barriers
• Participation in after-school and weekend activities (sports, arts, clubs, jobs)
• Independence, social connection, and youth well-being
• Equity and affordability
• Reduced car reliance, improving safety and congestion
Even if a circulator is years away, students need mobility solutions now. Expanding youth transit access is one of the fastest, most equitable steps we can take while long-term solutions are planned.
Thank you for elevating youth voice, needs, and leadership, and for pursuing solutions that make Lakewood more accessible, connected, and safe for all.