Transit Program Surpasses 500,000 Mark for Youth Ridership
‘YOUTH RIDE FREE” TRANSIT PROGRAM
SURPASSES 500,000 MARK
FOR SCHOOL YEAR RIDERSHIP
RAPID CITY, SD—With more than 700 youth taking advantage of the City’s ‘Youth Ride Free’ program during the first week of school, the program surpassed an impressive mark for overall youth ridership.
Since the program began at the start of the 2016-17 school year, more than 500,000 youth trips have been recorded during the school year. Last week’s youth ridership numbers of 702, a total of 500,432 youth rider trips have been recorded. The numbers include youth trips recorded during the school year and do not reflect summer youth boardings, which are also free.
“The ‘Youth Ride Free’ program has been a great success,” said Megan Gould-Stabile, RTS System manager. “Our numbers have continued to climb steadily upward since the COVID challenges. When the program started, I don’t think anyone envisioned 500,000 youth riders. Public transportation in Rapid City is embraced by a growing number of parents and their children.”
Gould-Stabile said the free cost, convenience and peace of mind are great advantages to the program.
“The service provides parents with peace of mind knowing there is a reliable option for getting their child to school,” said Gould-Stabile. “It’s free and a convenient option for school but getting anywhere along our fixed route system.”
“It’s also a great option when that school car isn’t working or we have cold, inclement weather with icy roads.”
More than 40,000 youth riders utilized the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program during the 2022-23 school year, an 18 percent increase over the number of youth riders using the program during the previous school year. From September through May – the 2022-23 school calendar -- Rapid Transit System (RTS) recorded 40,669 youth passenger trips. The number compares to 33,101 youth trips recorded during the same time period for the 2021-22 school year.
‘YOUTH RIDE FREE’ PROGRAM
Total Youth Passenger Trips (recorded by school year)
Year Number of youth trips
2023-24 702
2022-23 40,669
2021-22 33,101
2020-21 27,672
2019-20 77,260**
2018-19 115,319
2017-18 117,459
2016-17 88,250
TOTAL 500,432
(**Rides were suspended in mid-March 2020 due to COVID closure of local schools)
In announcing the free youth transportation program in the summer of 2016, former Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender indicated the free youth transit program would provide students better access to schools, libraries, recreation and social events as well as save money for families and foster appreciation for public transportation among the City's youth.
For more information about the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program or any of the RTS services, visit www.rapidride.org or call 605-394-6631.
***
CITY OFFERING
‘YOUTH RIDE FREE” TRANSIT PROGRAM
FOR EIGHTH YEAR
**More than 40,000 youth riders
utilized free transit program during 2022-23 school year
**Rapid Transit System again offering
free orientation rides for parents
RAPID CITY, SD—The City’s Rapid Transit System (RTS) is again offering the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program for the 2023-24 school year. This is the eighth consecutive year youth will be able to ride free on the RTS RapidRide bus system.
As parents and students scamper to buy school clothes, sneakers and supplies, one of the key boxes on the school checklist that impacts many families is reliable transportation to and from school. As in previous years, RTS is offering a free ride orientation period this week through next Monday for parents to become familiar with routes and schedules by boarding any of the RapidRide buses.
Parents can ride free during this orientation period when accompanied by their school-aged child.
More than 40,000 youth riders utilized the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program during the 2022-23 school year, an 18 percent increase over the number of youth riders using the program during the previous school year. From September through May – the 2022-23 school calendar -- Rapid Transit System (RTS) recorded 40,669 youth passenger trips. The number compares to 33,101 youth trips recorded during the same time period for the 2021-22 school year.
"We’re looking forward to another great year with the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program,” said Megan Gould-Stabile, RTS System manager. “The program continues to be a great success. It is a free and convenient option for transportation to and from school for youth and anywhere along our fixed route system.
“The service provides parents with peace of mind knowing there is a reliable option for getting their child to school. It’s also a great option when that school car isn’t working or we have cold, inclement weather with icy roads.”
Registration is required for the free transportation program. Parents and guardians can contact Rapid Transit Service at 605-394-6631 to register or go online to rapidride.org and click on the ‘Youth Ride Free’ button. Information requested includes student’s name, school, parent or guardian’s name, and a phone number for emergency contact purposes.
Gould-Stabile says the parent orientation rides are a great opportunity for parents and children to ride together to learn about transit schedules, routes and boarding locations.
In announcing the free youth transportation program in the summer of 2016, former Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender indicated the free youth transit program would provide students better access to schools, libraries, recreation and social events as well as save money for families and foster appreciation for public transportation among the City's youth.
RapidRide will also have maps, material and regular ride schedules available as well as material published online under the ‘Youth Ride Free’ tab at www.rapidride.org .