ENSacRT Scout Transit Patch Program
Exploring Public Transit with SacRT
Public transportation helps people get to school, work, and fun places in their community. The SacRT Transit Patch Program teaches Girl Scouts and Scouts of America (Scouts) how to use the SacRT bus and light rail system. Scouts will gain confidence in using public transportation while learning about its benefits for individuals and the environment.
Upon completion of the SacRT Transit Patch challenge, Scouts will learn how to plan a trip, follow transit rules, learn about the RydeFreeRT program (fare-free transit for youth), and experience riding public transit. These activities help develop important life skills like navigation, responsibility, and community awareness while exploring the Sacramento region.
How to Earn the SacRT Transit Patch
To earn the SacRT Transit Patch, complete all five activities. To receive your SacRT Transit Patch, email marketing@sacrt.com to let them know you have completed all the activities.
Public transportation plays an important role in communities by helping people get to where they need to go. Learn more about SacRT and why public transit matters.
What to Do:
- Visit sacrt.com to learn about SacRT’s services, fares, rider information, and the areas it serves.
Think about how SacRT:- Helps people in your community
- Benefits the environment
- Makes travel more accessible for everyone
- Makes travel more accessible for everyone
Bonus: Watch SacRT videos for more information:
Activity 2: The RydeFreeRT Program
Did you know that all students in Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade can ride SacRT fare-free? The RydeFreeRT program provides unlimited bus and light rail rides for youth.
What to Do:
1. Learn about RydeFreeRT at rydefreert.com.
2. Choose one way to spread the word about the RydeFreeRT program:
- Make a poster or flyer to share at school or with friends
- Record a short video or social media post encouraging students to ride
- Create a slide presentation about RydeFreeRT and share it with other Scouts or classmates
- Talk to at least three people about RydeFreeRT and explain why it is helpful to students/youth
Bonus: Share your artwork, slides, or video with SacRT at marketing@sacrt.com or tag them on social media.
Note: If your troop needs RydeFreeRT cards, please contact SacRT at marketing@sacrt.com.
Activity 3: Public Transit Etiquette & Safety
Knowing how to behave on public transportation helps keep everyone safe and makes the ride more enjoyable. Learn about the basic rules for riding a bus or light rail train by visiting SacRT How to Ride Guide.
What to Do:
1. Learn about proper transit etiquette and safety rules. Practice skills like:
- Waiting safely at a bus stop or train platform
- Signaling to the bus driver when you need to get on
- Entering and exiting a bus or train properly
- Signaling when you are ready to get off
2. Discuss or act out different public transit scenarios that show poor etiquette or unsafe behaviors. Discuss what went wrong and how to correct it.
Think about:
- How does bad etiquette affect other riders?
- What can you do to encourage good behavior on buses and trains?
Example scenarios of bad behavior:
- Blocking the aisle with a backpack
- Talking loudly on the phone
- Not giving up a seat for someone who needs it
- Eating messy food
- Leaving trash behind
- Playing music without headphones
- Taking up extra seats with belongings
- Block the entrance or exit
Bonus: Create a transit etiquette or safety poster to teach others about good public transit behavior. Share your artwork with SacRT at marketing@sacrt.com or tag them on social media.
Activity 4: Plan a Ride Using the SacRT Online Trip Planner
Knowing how to plan a ride is an important skill.
What to Do:
- Using SacRT Online Trip Planner or Google Maps, plan a trip from one place to another.
Identify:
- The bus or light rail route you will take
- How many stops you will pass
- Which stop will you board and exit
Tip: Find all SacRT schedules online at sacrt.com/schedules.
Activity 5: Ride SacRT
Now it is time to ride public transit and put your learning into action!
What to Do:
- Take a trip on a SacRT bus or light rail train
Observe:
- What stops and landmarks you see
- How the driver interacts with passengers
- What good or bad etiquette do you notice
Tip: Before your bus or train ride, review the SacRT how to ride information:
Bonus: Take a photo at a station or stop and share your experience with others. Email marketing@sacrt.com or tag SacRT on social media:
Facebook: @sacramentoRT
Twitter: @rideSacRT
Instagram: @ridesacrt
TikTok: @ridesacrt
YouTube: Sacramento Regional Transit
Celebrate & Get Your SacRT Transit Patch
After completing these activities, congratulate yourself on becoming a more confident and responsible public transit rider! Be sure to email SacRT at marketing@sacrt.com to let them know you or your troop have completed the SacRT Transit Patch Program and receive a patch.
About The Transit Patch Program
The Transit Patch program was a collaboration between Troop 4204 and SacRT as part of the troop’s Journey Take Action Project. In Girl Scouts, a Journey is a deeper exploration of a topic where Girl Scouts develop new skills, connect with their community, and take action to create a lasting impact. Working together with SacRT, Troop 4204 recognized the importance of public transportation and helped design this patch program to teach others how to navigate and use transit with confidence. As Girl Scouts, the troop said they believe in leaving places better than they found them, and by completing this patch challenge, you are joining their mission to make a positive impact in the community. This project was also inspired by lessons learned about Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (http://int.org) by interpreting the primary respectful outdoor principals and applying them to urban transit.
