Free Youth Transit Pass: Five years of transit choices

Backpack, water bottle, notebook, laptop, ORCA card!

Since September 2022, young people throughout King County haven’t needed to ask family for a ride or for money to take transit–they just had to walk to a bus, streetcar or light rail stop or get to a water taxi or ferry terminal.

This September marks the start of the fifth school year where kids and teens across the state can board regional transit for free until their 19th birthday, thanks to the Free Youth Transit Pass. That program provides young people with access to school, work, activities and so much more.

“I grew up taking the bus throughout Seattle and King County, so I know firsthand what it means for a young person to have the freedom to get around on their own,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Free youth transit gives young people that independence to get to school, a job, practice, or wherever they need to go without worrying about the cost of a ride. Five years in, I’m proud to see so many young people able to use transit as part of their everyday lives while getting to know their region along the way.”

“When the Free Youth Transit Pass program began, I called it a ‘Rider’s license unlocking opportunities for youth,’ and it has more than lived up to that promise,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “The young people who were able to board and ride for free at the start of the program are now young adults who understand the benefits of transit and they are passing this knowledge on to those who follow them. I continue to be excited about the opportunities that come from providing young people the ability to board transit and get where they need to go.”

The Free Youth Transit Pass introduced a new generation of young people to the convenience of getting where they need to go without a car. By encouraging transit use early, the program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, builds confidence using public transportation, and supports a more equitable and sustainable future.

The program means kids can board

King County Metro buses,
The King County and Kitsap Water Taxis,
Access paratransit and on-demand services (Metro Flex and Community Vans),
Sound Transit buses and Link light rail,
Seattle Streetcar,
Pierce Transit,
Community Transit,
Everett Transit,
Kitsap Transit,
and Snoqualmie Valley Transit

at no cost! And they can also board Washington State Ferries (on foot) and the Seattle Monorail (if they don’t have an ORCA card, a regular fare is required).

You can board any of these transit systems for free (except the Monorail) without a Free Youth Transit Pass but knowing how many young people (and adults) are tapping and riding transit is vital. Those ORCA card taps helps transit agencies understand where and when people are riding, which helps planners improve service. So when you tap, be sure to remind your adults—and your siblings—to tap too!

The freedom to ride

Not having to wait for an adult and not needing to ask a friend or sibling for a ride can change lives. Getting to school on time, not being late for an afterschool activity or sports practice, and catching up with friends for a movie can become a regular part of your life when using transit.

“Free youth transit has given me the freedom to explore my community, meet up with my friends, and experience places using RapidRide buses, ferries, and other Metro services without the lack of a car or money being a barrier. [Public transit] creates stable job opportunities, connects people to school, work, healthcare, and recreation, and helps build more accessible communities.” -Ariya, 11^th grader at Interlake HS

“Free youth transit honestly isn’t talked about enough and it’s one of the greatest benefits of being a teen in King County … this means access to schools, sports, learning opportunities, travel in general and memories that last a lifetime, which are all things I have personally relied on and experienced using [public transit].” -Aarón, 10^th grader at Highline HS

How to get your Free Youth Transit Pass

Go to Free YouthTransitPass.com . Be sure to have identification (your school ID, driver’s license, state ID or birth certificate)
Follow the directions
Click “Place order”
And your card will be on its way!

It takes seven to 10 business days for your card to arrive, so be sure to start ASAP

Back to School riding—for first timers and returning students

While we hope you’ve been using transit to get around this summer, we know that many young people are now using buses to get to school. We look forward to helping you get where you need to go; here are some tips to make it a good ride from September through June:

Plan your trip in advance.
Find out what route you need to ride and visit Metro’s website and Trip Planner for help. Got questions? Call Metro customer service at 206-553-3000 on weekdays, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you need an interpreter, press 1.

Allow for extra travel time.
Especially at the beginning of the school year, start your trip a little early to ensure you get to class on time. Be prepared for potential higher demand and delays as you are going to or leaving school.

Stay safe and alert at all times.
King County Metro wants you to stay safe. Look up when walking and look out for others. Look and listen whenever you cross the street and use the crosswalk. Only cross the street AFTER the bus leaves and never chase after the bus. When summer turns to fall and there’s less natural light, wave something bright, like your phone or a flashlight to make yourself more visible to bus drivers at your bus stop. And remember, our bus drivers are there to help you if have questions when riding the bus.

School is just around the corner. Metro looks forward to seeing and serving all students this fall!