In the DMV, families have the opportunity to use public transit all the time. Between commuting to school and work, transporting kids to after-school activities, school trips or even local family adventures, it’s important to make sure families are making transportation as affordable as possible.
Free or discounted rides for kids vary by jurisdiction and transit provider. This is your guide to the rules across the region so you can get your family from point A to point B as efficiently as possible.
How transit fare programs work
Depending on the transit provider, discounted or free rides can be available based on age, enrollment in school and residency. Different forms of transit may be included, such as buses, Metro or commuter rail. Here is a breakdown by region of reduced and free ride rules:
Washington, DC
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The Washington DC Metro offers free rides for students ages 5 to 21 that are enrolled in an elementary or secondary public, charter, private or religious school located within DC. The Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card should be requested from your school’s ID administrator. Cards must be replaced every September and can be added to your child’s phone wallet if they are over 13.
- Who: Ages 5-21
- What: Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card
- How: Request the card from your school’s ID administrator
- What you need: Your school should have all the information it needs for you to receive your card
Maryland
Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, kids ride free on all Montgomery County Department of Transportation buses and most Metrobuses in the county. Kids ages 5 to 18 can get a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card to participate in the Kids Ride Free program. At participating schools, you can apply for and collect your card on-site, otherwise, you can go to a county location, such as a public library to get a card.
- Who: Grades K-12
- What: Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card
- How: At school or an alternative county location
- What you need: Application, proof of age and proof of residency in Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
Starting June 30, 2025, all county-operated transit services are free for everyone.
Virginia
Arlington County
The Student iRide Program in Arlington County enables students ages 5 to 18 to ride Arlington Transit buses and select Metrobuses for free. Students in high school can contact their school’s transportation coordinator to receive an iRide Student SmarTrip card. Elementary, private and homeschooled students can go to any Arlington Commuter Store.
- Who: Grades K-12
- What: iRide Student SmarTrip card
- How: Request the card from your schools’ Transit Coordinator or visit an Arlington Commuter Store
- What you need: Proof of school enrollment in Arlington County such as a student ID card
Fairfax County
Middle and high school students in Fairfax County can ride the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE bus for free when they sign up for a student bus pass SmarTrip card. The pass is valid seven days per week from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. and students can sign up at their school.
- Who: Grades 7-12
- What: Student bus pass SmarTrip card
- How: Request a bus pass at any county school or by emailing mlphillips@fcps.edu
- What you need: Proof of school enrollment in Fairfax County
Tips on getting passes/cards
- Call the school or location ahead of time for current hours and possible wait times.
- Double check what information is needed before heading to your location.
- Check to see if appointments are needed ahead of time.
- Don’t forget to register the card!
- Know the age-based rules — each system handles children differently.
- If your child will be traveling independently, make sure they know how the card works and the rules for each transit system they’ll be on.
- Save the customer service numbers in your phone (and your child’s, if they have a cell phone.)
