There Are Free Rides In Orange County: Kids Under 18 Ride OCTA Busses For Free

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Youth Ride Free Pass is allowing Orange County's younger set to hop onboard public transportation for free, officials say. Across Orange County, approximately 520,000 youths will be eligible to ride free.

Children from age 6 to 18 years old will get free rides on Orange County public buses for the next six months in an effort to encourage another generation to use public transportation, officials said Tuesday. Passes will be distributed through school districts, officials say.

The Youth Ride Free Pass allows youths to ride any Orange County Transportation Authority bus without paying a fare through February 28.

The bus rides will be funded by a $2 million grant through the California Climate Investments program, according to OCTA spokesman Eric Carpenter.

"Allowing our youth in Orange County to ride the OC Bus for free will encourage a new generation of riders to discover the convenience and benefits of public transportation," said Andrew Do, the chairman of OCTA and the Orange County Board of Supervisors. "This program is good for our community, for our schools, and for our economy."

The program will also help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in all of Orange County's 34 cities served by the OCTA.

OCTA officials initially considered the free bus passes for youths up to 13, but then later decided earlier this year to extend it to high school students too.

• Offers a promotional free fare for youth 18 and under, providing a
  reliable transportation option for education, work, and leisure.
• Promotional free pass valid on any OC Bus fixed-route service, including weekends and holidays.
• Supports the economic recovery of Orange County and helps mitigate the financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on low income and diverse populations.
• Allows youth from all over Orange County to equitably re-engage with education and other opportunities following pandemic restrictions.
• Helps introduce new youth riders to public transit, encouraging long-term usage.
• Improves mobility options, reduce congestion, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Provides rider feedback and information for future youth program development