Schoesler: Free bus fares discriminatory

OLYMPIA – Sen. Mark Schoesler is calling a new program that subsidizes mass transit in urban areas as unfair to rural residents.

Schoesler, R-Ritzville, further calls the program that went into effect in eight areas of Puget Sound last week disrcimatory.

Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which includes Lincoln, Whitman, Southern Spokeane and parts of Adams and Franklin counties, among other areas.

The program allows individuals younger than 18 free public transportation in many areas; it was approved by the Legislature during its last session on the strength of the votes of Pu...