If you’ve got kids in Sacramento, here’s a win you should know about: SacRT’s Ryde Free program just got another year of funding, meaning your child can keep riding the bus for school, after-school programs, work, or library trips without spending a dime.
The numbers tell the story. Over the past seven years, the program has helped students in grades K through 12 access transportation that actually matters—getting to school safely, heading to work, or reaching community resources. Last year alone, young riders logged more than five million trips. That’s not just a feel-good statistic; it’s a genuine lifeline for families managing school schedules and activities without worrying about transit costs eating into the budget.
What makes this work is the partnership model. SacRT’s Ryde Free program runs on funding collaboration between local jurisdictions and school districts—essentially, the whole community pitching in to keep kids moving. It’s a reminder that public transit isn’t just about adults commuting to downtown; it’s infrastructure that directly shapes whether young people can participate in school and their communities without barriers.
The logistics are straightforward. Kids can grab their free youth pass at school district offices, libraries, or SacRT’s customer service center near 13th and R streets. The cards are valid through June 30, 2027, so families have the full school year to use them. It’s a small logistical hurdle removed—one less thing to figure out at the start of a busy academic year.
This extension signals something bigger: Sacramento’s commitment to keeping transit accessible to the people who need it most. Seven years in, this program has moved from an experiment to an essential service. That’s worth celebrating, and it’s worth making sure families who might benefit actually know it exists.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
