Multiple US Cities Provide Free Public Transit to Students

Several U.S. cities are launching or expanding programs to provide free or reduced-cost public transportation for students to support their access to school and extracurricular activities. New Haven Public Schools received a $175,000 state grant to distribute approximately 19,000 bus tickets to high school students, helping many with transportation costs and potentially expanding the program with new funding. Fort Worth ISD partnered with Trinity Metro to offer free rides on buses and trains for high school students, aiming to increase student participation in after-school programs and cultivate future transit riders. Jefferson City Transit is waiving bus fares for students on specific Tripper routes throughout the fall semester, a move expected to save families money and encourage more student ridership. Hampton Roads Transit has operated the Student Freedom Pass since 2016, providing unlimited free rides year-round for high school students across six cities, enhancing mobility for school, work, and social activities while easing parental scheduling challenges. These initiatives collectively highlight a growing trend to address transportation barriers and promote student independence and community well-being through accessible transit options.