Youth ride for free on Community Transit

Youth ages 18 years or younger can now ride Community Transit buses for free under a new program that began on Sept. 1.

Transit systems across Washington are implementing the new program, including local options such as Community Transit and Everett Transit.

“We are excited to welcome the next generation of transit riders to our buses,” said Monica Spain, a spokesperson for Community Transit.

The local public transit organization was glad to be able to participate in the program.

As part of the Washington state legislature’s 2022 transportation bill, public transit agencies are eligible for grant funding if they provide free service to kids age 18 and younger.

“This is a great way to have kids get used to riding,” said Spain, who added youth will now have an easier time getting to their work, sports or getting to a relative’s house.

“It just offers a lot of freedom of mobility and freedom of travel for youth here,” she said.

School districts are still required to maintain their bus service for students.

“This is not intended to replace the yellow school buses, just to give youth more travel options,” said Spain.

Community Transit is working with local high schools to distribute ORCA cards, which are smart cards that riders can use to pay fare for bus service.

“You don’t need to use an ORCA card for this service,” said Spain. “You can just get on the bus and tell the driver you are under 18. We don’t want there to be any barriers to this program.”

Community Transit still wants to encourage the use of ORCA cards as easy fare passes though.

“We didn’t know that we would have this program when we started the year,” said Spain, and Community Transit officials have been working on the process over the summer of how to encourage and welcome new bus riders.

Youth or their parents can go to communitytransit.org and use the Trip Planner, usually around the upper left corner of the website, to find a bus that will get them to where they want to go..

“You can put in the address of where you are and the address of where you can to go,” said Spain.

There are a lot of reasons to take public transportation when you can, said Spain.

“Families are super busy these days and we are always looking for ways that we can help reduce that burden,” said Spain.

Reducing dependency on cars is also good for the planet.

“A lot of kids are really concerned about the climate and the environment. This is one way that we can take some action by using cars less,” said Spain.

A brochure and tips for new bus riders are also available at communitytransit.org/freeyouthtransitpass.

Spain said drivers can help new riders as well.

“You can talk to the driver if you have questions,” she said. She also encourages riders to stay six feet away from the curb as the bus approaches and to wear bright clothing, especially if riding at night.