Mayor Muriel Bowser established and championed the Kids Ride Free transit subsidy program to ensure that enrolled District students who are also District residents can get to school and school-related activities for free.
The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District.
To be eligible for participation in the KRF program, each student must be:
- A resident of the District of Columbia, and
- Ages 5 through 21, and
- Enrolled in an elementary or secondary public, charter, private or parochial school located within the District or youth in the care of the District.
School Year 2024-2025
In School Year 2024-2025, DC students can request a new SmarTrip Card for traveling on public transit systems within the District. A supply of the new cards will be sent directly to all DC public and charter schools for distribution to eligible students. Students can collect their new School Year 2024-2025 KRF SmarTrip cards from their school ID administrators like they did during the last school year.
School Year 2023-2024 Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards will remain valid through September 30, 2024.
Remember: No Card, No Free Ride
Students riding Metrobus, Metrorail, or DC Circulator should always have their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card with them or be prepared to pay the regular fare for their trip. In addition, students should always TAP their card on the METRO fare gate or Metrobus fare box.
For more information, please review the Kids Ride Free Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the KRF program, please contact your school’s ID Administrator or the District Department of Transportation’s School Transit Subsidy Program Office at (202) 673-1740 or [email protected].
