East Anchorage Assembly member proposes free People Mover rides for enrolled students 18 and older

East Anchorage Assembly Member George Martinez has proposed making People Mover fares permanently free for all enrolled secondary school students, including those 18 and older, who show a valid school ID. The ordinance is scheduled for introduction at the Anchorage Assembly on Wednesday, with a public hearing set for Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The ordinance says there have been reported cases of enrolled students 18 or older being denied free fares because of their age.

The Assembly made rides free for youth under 18 under a 2025 measure Martinez also sponsored, which took effect July 10, 2025. Before then, the Anchorage School District paid $28,000 a year for free rides for middle and high school students with a student ID.

In a memo to the Assembly, Martinez said People Mover has provided thousands of rides to high school students since the 2025 change. But he said many students turn 18 before finishing 12th grade. They include students on credit recovery plans, students with Individual Education Plans or special needs who stay in high school until 21 and students in vocational programs such as King Tech High School. He said these students often come from families who do not own vehicles or whose parents cannot drive them to school.

"People Mover should not have to cross check a student ID with a state ID to confirm an age," Martinez wrote.

Under the ordinance, a secondary school student would be anyone enrolled in a secondary school or similar program recognized by state law or approved by the state education department who shows a valid ID as proof of enrollment. Martinez said that covers Anchorage School District schools as well as private schools and correspondence programs run by other districts.

The memo says the change is not expected to cost more than $30,000. If the Assembly passes it, the ordinance would take effect immediately.

Residents can testify at the Nov. 17 hearing or send written comments to the Assembly online.