August 22, 2022

City Offering 'Youth Ride Free' Transit Program For Seventh Year

CITY OFFERING

‘YOUTH RIDE FREE” TRANSIT PROGRAM

FOR SEVENTH YEAR

**More than 33,000 youth riders

utilized free transit program during 2021-22 year

RAPID CITY, SD—The City’s Rapid Transit System (RTS) is again offering the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program for the 2022-23 school year.  This is the seventh consecutive year youth will be able to ride free on the RTS RapidRide bus system.

           More than 33,000 youth riders utilized the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program during the 2021-22 school year, a 17.9 percent increase over the number of youth riders using the program during the previous school year. From September through May – the 2021-22 school calendar -- Rapid Transit System (RTS) recorded 33,101 youth passenger trips.  The number compares to 27,662 youth trips recorded during the same time period for the 2020-21 school year.

            "The ‘Youth Ride Free’ program continues to be a great success,” said Megan Gould-Stabile, RTS System manager. “The service provides parents with peace of mind knowing there is a reliable option for getting their child to school. The program is a free and convenient option for transportation to and from school for youth and 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.”

               Registration is recommended 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.

            In announcing the free youth transportation program in the summer of 2016, 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 at rapidride.org .

           

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