FREE public transit for kids and teens in the summer | Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit

FREE public transit for kids and teens in Summer 2023

Thursday, April 27, 2023 - 9:45am
Public transportation offering free rides for K-12 youth throughout the summer with the Summer Youth Ride Free Program.

FREE public transit for kids and teens transforms the North Bay into a summer playground.

SMART, Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus, and Petaluma Transit are offering free rides for K-12 youth throughout the summer (June-August) with the Summer Youth Ride Free Program.

How it works

No passes are necessary to ride, simply show a valid K-12 school or government-issued ID to the conductor when boarding the train or bus. Youth grades 9-12 may use a school ID from the Spring 2023 semester. Youth grades 8 and under, if asked, may present a school ID, or simply tell the conductor their grade and which school they attend. Younger children, under age 5, also ride for free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Benefits of taking public transportation

Beyond the benefit of getting to experience world-class educational and entertainment opportunities, taking public transportation is in itself a learning experience and good for the environment. Teaching teenagers how to ride public transit fosters a greater sense of independence at this critical stage of their development. Children riding with parents and older siblings learn social and navigational skills that will help them in many other situations. Navigating our community on the train and bus builds a sense of confidence that young people can use for the rest of their lives.

A summer of adventure and fun

Children and teens can take public transit to their favorite summer destinations, including parks, amusement centers, summer jobs, movie theaters, shopping centers, skate parks, libraries, summer camps, and summer classes. Bicycles are welcomed aboard the SMART train and buses are equipped with bike racks at the front of the bus.

Plan your trip (click the links below)

 

Santa Rosa North +
Downtown Stations
Petaluma Downtown
Station
 
Novato Station Larkspur Station San Rafael Station