Kids Ride Free
The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, the DC Circulator, and Metrorail within the District to get to school and school-related activities.
To be eligible, students must be:
- a resident of the District of Columbia
- between the ages 5 and 21
- enrolled in an elementary or secondary public, private, charter or parochial school located within the District; or a "Ward of DC" through the Foster Care System.
2019 - 2020 School Year
The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program continues to grow! Mayor Muriel Bowser established and championed KRF to ensure that enrolled District students who are District residents can get to school and school-related activities for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator.
Beginning October 1, 2019, students will no longer be able to use their School Year 2018-2019 KRF SmarTrip cards. Students need to obtain a new School Year 2019-2020 KRF SmarTrip card at a summer distribution event or when the next school year starts.
Remember: No Card, No Free Ride
Students taking Metrobus, Metrorail, or DC Circulator to school should always have their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card with them or be prepared to pay the regular fare for their trip.
Get Your Card Early
In the coming weeks, card distribution events will be held across the District. At these card distribution events, students who currently ride bus and/or rail to and from school and school-related activities can register and obtain their new Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card before the new school year begins. In order to receive a new KRF SmarTrip card, parents and/or students will need to be present and bring the required documentation (see Required Documentation section below) to one of these events.
|
Location |
Address |
Ward |
Date |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dunbar High School |
101 N St. NW |
5 |
Saturday, July 27; RSVP |
10am - 2pm |
|
Ballou High School |
3401 4th St, SE |
8 |
Wednesday, July 31; RSVP |
3pm - 7pm |
|
Eastern High School |
1700 East Capitol St., NE |
6 |
Saturday, August 3; RSVP |
10am - 2pm |
|
Wilson High School |
3950 Chesapeake St., NW |
3 |
Wednesday, August 7; RSVP |
3pm - 7pm |
*Event locations are subject to change. Please continue to check this website for updates as the KRF distribution events get closer.
DC One Card Service Centers
In addition to the distribution events, students will also be able to pick up their SY 2019-2020 KRF SmarTrip card at two existing DC One Card Centers which will be open for 10 weekdays leading up to the start of school.
|
Date |
Time |
Location |
Ward |
|
August 12 - 23 (Monday - Friday) |
9am - 5pm; 12pm-8pm Wednesdays |
Deanwood Recreation Center 1350 49th Street NE |
7 |
|
August 12 - 23 (Monday - Friday) |
9am - 5pm |
One Judiciary Square 441 4th St NW |
2 |
Receiving a card at a Distribution Event
To receive a card at a Summer Distribution Event, students must:
- Meet the Kids Ride Free program eligibility requirements and bring the required documentation to an event
- Have been enrolled in grades K-11 during SY 2018-2019. Returning students who were in 12th grade this past school year are not eligible to receive a card at a distribution event but may request one at their school.
- Have attended a DCPS, DCPCS, or DC private school in 2018-2019
Students who qualify for Kids Ride Free but are ineligible to receive a card at a distribution event may request one at their school at the beginning of the school year from their Card Administrator.
Required Documentation
To receive a new KRF SmarTrip card at a Summer Distribution Event, students will need to bring one of the following as proof of eligibility:
- Current DC One Card, or
- SY 2018-2019 KRF SmarTrip card; or
- Student ID/USI number
- Private and home-schooled students should bring proof of identity, proof of DC residency, and proof of school enrollment
Parents are allowed to pick up SY 2019-2020 KRF SmarTrip cards at the Summer Distribution Events and at the DC One Card Centers. Parents will need to bring one of the following as proof of eligibility:
- The student’s SY 2018-2019 KRF Smartrip Card; or
- A government-issued ID Card AND the student’s birth certificate.
Additional Information
If students are unable to attend a summer distribution event, they can get their new SmartTrip card from their school’s Card Administrator at the start of the 2019-2020 school year.
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 card administrator or the District Department of Transportation’s School Transit Subsidy Office at (202) 673-1740.
