Kids Ride Free

Starting June 29, ZERO Fares on Ride On, Ride On ext Ra, Ride On Flex, and Flash Buses​

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All Montgomery County youth ages 18 and under ride FREE all the time on Ride On buses, including Ride On ext Ra ,  Ride On Flex and Flash.

• Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• All children ride at the discretion of their parents or guardians.
• Students may be older than 18 if still in high school.
• Cards are valid until high school graduation.

How to ride free on Metrobuses

for Montgomery County residents ages 5 to 18 (older if still in high school)

• Get a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card.
• Tap your card on the fare box. You will not be charged a fare.

All student riders should use the Youth Cruiser card for free rides. School IDs can still be used through December 31, 2025.

Effective January 1, 2026, the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card use is mandatory for free rides on Metrobuses. Metrobus operators enforce fare payment.

We encourage all students to obtain and use their Youth Cruiser cards ASAP.

See instructions for lost or stolen Youth Cruiser cards.

See the list of Metro bus routes that are covered under the Kids Ride Free program.