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.
2018 - 2019 School Year
The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program has gotten smarter! Mayor Muriel Bowser established and championed KRF to ensure that all students who attend public schools can ride to and from school related activities for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator. DDOT and the school systems have implemented2018-2019 school year updates to the program based on feedback from parents and students. These updates make the program easier to use and more accessible.
Students who use Metrorail, Metrobus, and DC Circulator to get to school and school-related activities need to obtain a new KRF SmarTrip card from their school.As of October 1, 2018, students are no longer able to use their DC One Cards to access public transportation for free. The new card is separate from students’ DC One Card and will provide students with free transportation to school and school-related activities. The new SmarTrip card provides students with free and immediate access to travel on Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator. Students are required to tap their new KRF SmarTrip cards on all bus and rail trips.
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.
Where to Obtain Your Card
Students who take transit to school may request a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card through their school’s card administrator. Please check with your school’s main office if you are unsure who this is.
Distribution Events Prior to the Start of 2018 – 2019 School Year
Card distribution events were held in every ward prior to the start of the 2018 – 2019 School Year.
|
Location |
Address |
Ward |
Date |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wilson High School |
3950 Chesapeake St NW, |
3 |
July 21 |
9am - 2pm |
|
Capitol Hill Montessori School @ Logan |
215 G St NE, |
6 |
July 22 |
2pm - 7pm |
|
Brightwood Education Campus |
1300 Nicholson Street, NW |
4 |
August 4 |
9am - 2pm |
|
Dunbar High School |
101 N St NW, |
5 |
August 5 |
1pm - 6pm |
|
Columbia Heights Ed Campus |
3101 16th St NW, |
1 |
August 11 |
9am - 2pm |
|
Ballou High School |
3401 4th St SE, |
8 |
August 12 |
1pm - 6pm |
|
Walter E. Washington Convention Center |
801 Mt Vernon Place NW, |
2 |
August 18 |
9am - 4pm |
|
District Department of Employment Services |
4058 Minnesota Ave NE, |
7 |
August 19 |
1pm - 6pm |
Additional Information
For more information, please review the Kids Ride Free 2018-2019 Flyer and Frequently Asked Questions pages. 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.
Contact Us
For additional information about the School Transit Subsidy Program, please call (202) 673-1740.
