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Transportation & Public Works - News

Posted on: August 2, 2023

North Bay Youth Ride Free in Summer 2023

North Bay youth get a free ticket to ride public transit this summer through August 2023. Santa Rosa CityBus, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART), Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, and Petaluma Transit are offering free rides for K-12 youth throughout the summer season with the Summer Youth Ride Free Program. Train and bus travel is a safe and reliable way to get around Sonoma and Marin counties and, with five participating transit agencies, youth have endless possibilities for summer day trips.

Youth can ride fare-free to the Sonoma County Fair, August 3-13, 2023!

Santa Rosa CityBus Unlimited Rides for Youth program, fare-free rides for youth on any CityBus route, has been extended through June 1, 2025.

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 train conductor or bus operator 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, public pools, libraries, summer camps, and summer classes. Bicycles are welcome aboard the SMART train and buses are equipped with bike racks at the front of the bus.