Multiple US Cities Offer Free Youth Transit Ahead School Year

Several transit agencies across the U.S. are offering free or discounted transportation options for students and the general public to support access to education and ease commuting. Hampton Roads Transit in Virginia provides free parking and transit options for NSU football games and offers a Student Freedom Pass for unlimited rides to youth aged 13 to 17, encouraging greater use of public transit. Waco Transit in Texas is hosting a Free Fare Day during a tax-free holiday weekend to help families save on school supplies while offering unlimited free rides on fixed-route buses. Burlington, Vermont is piloting a Transit Youth Loyalty Program allowing youth aged 13 to 19 to ride free after 20 rides monthly, while JeffTran in Jefferson City offers free rides on student-focused Tripper Routes designed for after-school transportation. Additionally, Trinity Metro in Tarrant County, Texas, is offering free rides on trains and buses for a week in early August. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to increase youth ridership and make public transit more accessible during the back-to-school season.