It’s easy for all students and youth in TK through 12th-grade to get a RydeFreeRT card. Card holders receive unlimited fare-free rides on Sacramento Regional Transit District buses and light rail every day of the year. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Regional Transit District

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – As students across the Sacramento region head back to school, Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is reminding families that getting to class has never been easier or more affordable, thanks to the RydeFreeRT program.

Now entering its sixth year, RydeFreeRT provides unlimited fare-free rides on SacRT buses and light rail for all students and youth in TK through 12th-grade. With a valid RydeFreeRT card, students can ride any day, any time and all year long for school, after-school activities, jobs or weekend fun.

“The RydeFreeRT program has been a game-changer for students and families in the Sacramento region,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “We are proud to continue this program for another year and help eliminate transportation barriers for our youth.”

Said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento City Councilmember Rick Jennings, “This program is about opportunity and investing in the future of our youth. Access to reliable, fare-free transportation opens doors for students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I’m proud to support another year of RydeFreeRT.”

Students in TK through 12th-grade who live or attend school within the SacRT service area are eligible for the program. Youth experiencing homelessness or participating in foster care programs also qualify, regardless of residence or school enrollment.

SacRT operates approximately 82 bus routes; 43 miles of light rail serving 53 stations; and ADA paratransit services within a 440-square mile service area throughout Sacramento County, which includes service in Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Rio Linda, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento.

RydeFreeRT cards are distributed through schools and are valid from June 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Students can also obtain a card year-round at the SacRT Customer Service and Sales Center at 1225 R St. (accessible via light rail to the 13th Street Station) or any Sacramento Public Library branch.

To ride fare-free, students show their valid RydeFreeRT card to the bus operator when boarding or upon request on light rail trains. The card can be used for school, work, recreation and more, even during school breaks and holidays.

RydeFreeRT was launched in 2019 as a pilot program initiated by former Sacramento City Councilmember and SacRT Board Chair Jay Schenirer to combat chronic absenteeism and expand transportation options for students. A University of Texas study found that the program significantly increased both student transit ridership and school attendance.

In the program’s first month, SacRT saw a 40% increase in student ridership and this year alone, the program is on track to carry more than 5,000,000 student boardings, which is more than a 300% increase since launch.

Beyond academic benefits of reducing absenteeism and increasing attendance, RydeFreeRT also encourages lifelong transit habits, contributes to reduced traffic congestion and supports regional environmental sustainability goals.

For more information about the program and how to obtain a card, visit rydefreert.com or call 916-321-BUSS (2877).