This summer, youth ride free with VRT

VRT, the City of Boise, and Communities for Youth are teaming up to make summer transportation easier for youth in the Treasure Valley with the Youth Ride Free summer pass.

Youth Ride Free is a summer bus pass program that provides free rides on VRT bus services for youth 18 or under from May 1 through August 31, 2026. Kids 5 and under with a fare-paying adult and high school students in the Boise School District with a valid school ID can currently ride for free.

“Youth Ride Free is about removing barriers and opening doors,” said Elaine Clegg, CEO of Valley Regional Transit. “In removing bus fares, the City of Boise is giving young people a safe, reliable way to access jobs, recreation, education, and community spaces during the summer months. Youth Ride Free will help families navigate their summer, build new rider confidence in using transit, and strengthen our community.”

Passes are valid on all VRT bus routes and VRT On-Demand for the general public, as well as VRT Access paratransit for those who qualify.

This pilot program, designed for the summers of 2026 and 2027, is funded by the City of Boise through a grant from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation and advances goals in the City’s 2025 Youth Roadmap, which calls for reducing transportation barriers so young people can access opportunities across the region.

“Youth Ride Free reflects the commitment that the City of Boise holds to remove barriers for our residents and expand opportunity for our youth,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “Families will now have a free transportation option for kids to get to summer jobs, programs, parks, libraries, and more this summer.”

The Youth Roadmap found transportation to be one of the top barriers preventing youth from participating in city programs and accessing resources. Youth Ride Free is designed to address that barrier directly by expanding easy access to mobility during the summer months.

Another critical Youth Ride Free project partner, Communities for Youth, focuses on youth well-being with an upstream prevention approach to youth mental health.

“The Idaho Youth Well-Being Survey has shown that the number one driver of depression in Treasure Valley teens is the lack of social connection,” said Megan Smith of Communities for Youth. “When we talk to teens, they often mention how difficult or expensive it is to get to the places they build community. The VRT Youth Ride Free Program is an incredible opportunity to overcome that barrier.”

Online sign-ups open today on VRT’s website at ridevrt.org/youth.