(WHTM) \u2013 A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing free transit passes for a select group of college students.<\/p>\n
State Rep Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) says her legislation<\/a> would benefit community college and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) students.<\/p>\n Close<\/a><\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Watch for us in your inbox.<\/p>\n Subscribe Now<\/p>\n \u201cWe must find ways to provide the assistance needed to increase access to free, safe, reliable, and accessible public transit systems,\u201d said Cephas, who represents a section of Philadelphia\u2019s Overbrook neighborhood.<\/p>\n The proposed legislation would create a grant program that would provide free transit passes. Each college would then need to apply to the state for funds that would require a match from the institution.<\/p>\n \u201cThis legislation would increase access to education, reduce financial stress, expand workforce access, strengthen community and economic development, reduce traffic and congestion & increase academic performance and attendance,\u201d added Cephas, who is running for Congress<\/a> in Philadelphia\u2019s 2nd District.<\/p>\n Pennsylvania has 15 public community colleges across the state, including Harrisburg Area Community College.<\/p>\n