D.C. to train more special-ed students to use Metro

Examiner Coverage

D.C. school officials are increasing their efforts to teach special-education students to take Metro to school, as the city tries to cut the $26,000-per-student annual cost of transporting them by bus. D.C. Public Schools and other city education leaders are identifying students who they believe can be “trained” to navigate public transportation, and whom attend schools that are accessible by bus or train from their homes.

Ryan Solchenberger, director of transportation for the Office of the State Superintendent for Education, said about 10 percent of special-education students are using public transportation, and that he was unaware of any problems arising from the program.