See more in Fares

Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Cards

The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card is for Montgomery County residents ages 5 to 18 (older if still in high school).
Use this card to participate in the Kids Ride Free program.
Stored value can be added to the card for usage on
- Metrobuses
- Metrorail
- Other transit agencies that accept SmarTrip® cards
All student riders should use the Youth Cruiser card for free rides on Metrobuses.
- School IDs can still be used through December 31, 2025.
- Effective February 1, 2026, tapping the farebox on Metrobuses with the Youth Cruiser card is mandatory. Student IDs and flashing cards will not be accepted. You will be denied boarding unless you tap the farebox with the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card (no fare deducted) or another SmarTrip card.
- We encourage all students to obtain and use their Youth Cruiser cards starting now.
Cards are no longer valid after graduation from high school.

How to get Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® cards

There is currently no cost to get your first Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card. Replacement cards are free.
New cards have no stored value.
Elementary school students must have a parent/guardian complete and sign the application form.

If your home school is one of these participating schools, get your Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card there.

Complete the application: English application | Spanish application
- Application forms are also available in your school’s administrative office.
Bring your completed application to the designated administrative office on campus. Get your card on the spot!
- You do not need to bring any identification documents.

Complete the application: English application | Spanish application
The student/child or parent/guardian must come in person with proof of age and residency.
Bring one of these proofs of age:
- birth certificate
- state identification
- learner’s permit or driver's license
- passport
Bring one of these proofs of Montgomery County residency – you do not need to be a US citizen:
- child’s state identification
- learner’s permit or driver's license
- school transcript
- correspondence which has the child’s name and address
Get the card on the spot at these locations:
- all County libraries
- the Silver Spring TRiPS store
- the Mobile Commuter Store, and
- the Montgomery County Division of Treasury - Rockville.

If your Youth Cruiser card is lost or stolen

Call SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 or log in to your SmarTrip® account to report your lost or stolen card.
Get a replacement card at your school or other County location.
If your previous card had stored value, transfer the balance to your new card.