Kids Ride Free

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

ZeroFare_BusDecal​

Starting June 29, 2025, everyone including youth ride free on all MCDOT buses and most Metrobuses within the County. 

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.
five teens holding Youth Cruiser SmarTrip cards

How to ride free on Metrobuses

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

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

Effective February 1, 2026, the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card use is mandatory for free rides on Metrobuses. Student IDs and flashing cards will not be accepted. Students MUST tap the farebox with the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card (no fare deducted) or another SmarTrip card. 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.

Need more information?

For information about

  • Ride On bus service, call the MC311 Information Center by dialing 311 (from out-of-county: 240-777-0311).
  • SmarTrip® cards, including lost or stolen cards, see the SmarTrip® Q&A page or call 1-888-762-7874.

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