ENSacRT’s RydeFreeRT Program: Fare-Free Transit for Youth Grades TK-12
RydeFreeRT Keeps Youth Moving All Summer Long!
Youth in grades TK through 12 can enjoy free rides this summer with SacRT’s RydeFreeRT program! Whether you’re visiting friends, heading to an event, or exploring the city, the RydeFreeRT fare-free transit program for students/youth is your ticket to getting around town.
About SacRT’s RydeFreeRT Program
The RydeFreeRT program offers fare-free transit for Sacramento-area youth and students in grades TK through 12. With a vaild RydeFreeRT card, youth can ride the entire SacRT transit network, including SacRT buses and light rail for FREE! RydeFreeRT is available all day, any day of the week, all year during regular SacRT service hours.
How RydeFreeRT Works
Eligibility Requirements
- The RydeFreeRT program is available for students in grades TK-12. If you live or go to school within the SacRT service area, you qualify.
- Youth who are experiencing homelessness or taking part in foster programs are also allowed to participate in the program, regardless of current residence or school address.
- Note: The RydeFreeRT program does not apply to those over 18 years old that are pursuing their GED.
How to Get a RydeFreeRT Card
- RydeFreeRT cards are distributed by schools. Cards are available year-round, but are distributed by school just before summer break. The currently issued RydeFreeRT card is valid from June 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
- Students and youth can also get a RydeFreeRT card anytime of the year from the SacRT Customer Service and Sales Center located at 1225 R Street (adjacent to the 13th Street Light Rail Station) or Sacramento County Public Libraries.
How to use the RydeFreeRT Card
- To ride free, simply show your valid RydeFreeRT card to the operator when boarding the bus or when asked to show fare onboard light rail.
- Students can use the pass to get to and from school, or for any other transportation needs they may have outside of school hours. The pass is good not just during the school year, but during school breaks as well.
RydeFreeRT Program Background
The program is the result of Former Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer’s efforts to combat chronic absenteeism in schools and offer youth more options for transportation to and from activities when they are not in school. A study released by the University of Texas, which evaluated SacRT RydeFreeRT fare-free transit for youth program, found the innovative program achieved multiple key goals to increase transit ridership and school attendance. View the study here.
The RydeFreeRT program hopes to create lifelong public transit riders by instilling the habit at a young age. More transit riders could lead to improved quality of life for all — more time to relax and less time in traffic— as well as have a positive impact on the environment in the long run.
The program is renewed on an annual basis depending on funding.
Spread the Word about RydeFreeRT with our Digital Toolkit
The RydeFreeRT Digital Toolkit includes social media posts, photos, newsletter text, flyers and more for your organization to share!