Student Programs
K-12 Students
Kids Ride Free
Students ride for free on Metrobus and Metrorail within the District of Columbia to get to school and school-related activities.
Eligibility: District of Columbia students between ages 5 to 21 enrolled in an elementary or secondary public, charter, private or parochial school located within the District, or a ward of DC through the foster care system.
For more on DC's Kids Ride Free program visit DDOT's website.
Kids Ride Free Brochures
Kids Ride Free SmarTrip Card in Apple Wallet
Families of DC students should contact their enrolled school for information on picking up their Kids Ride Free Card for 2025-2026 School Year. The District Department of Transportation has begun distribution of the cards.
The 2024-2025 school year Kids Ride Free Cards can be used until Sept. 30.
Students 13-years and older can also transfer their physical Kids Ride Free card to their Apple device so it's with them at all times.
Follow these easy steps to convert your plastic Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card into a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet.
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the +.
- Choose Transit Cards, then choose SmarTrip.
- Tap Transfer Existing Card.
- Provide your card and account information, then accept the SmarTrip terms and conditions.
- On a flat surface, place your card against the back of your phone.
Note: Metro is working on the same mobile card for Android devices.
Regional Transit Partner Student Programs
U-Pass College Student Program
What is U-Pass?
U-Pass is Metro's college program giving students unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus throughout the semester. U-Pass is included in the cost of tuition at participating schools (equivalent to $1 per day).
Who is eligible for U-Pass?
In order to be eligible for U-Pass, your school must first be enrolled in the Metro program. Once your school is enrolled in the program, you must be a full-time student