For Sacramento families staring down another year of school drop-offs and transit costs, there is some welcome news: Sacramento Regional Transit has put new RydeFreeRT cards into circulation that let every student in grades TK through 12 ride SacRT buses and light rail fare free through June 30, 2027. The cards are being handed out at school offices, participating Sacramento County libraries and at SacRT’s Customer Service and Sales Center, and the program explicitly covers youth in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. The rollout comes as SacRT and its partner jurisdictions work to lock in enough money to keep the fare free deal going for another year.
New Cards In Hand For The 2026-2027 School Year
According to SacRT, the latest RydeFreeRT cards are valid from June 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, and school districts across the region have already received batches for summer distribution. Students who still need one are not out of luck, they can pick up a card at their school office, at SacRT’s Customer Service and Sales Center at 1225 R Street, or at participating Sacramento County libraries. To ride, students simply flash the card to the bus operator when they board or show it to a light rail fare inspector if asked. SacRT’s release points out that last year students took more than 5 million rides using RydeFreeRT, so the cards tend to get a workout.
Who Gets To Ride Free And How It Works
SacRT’s RydeFreeRT information page makes it clear that the program is open to students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, and it specifically includes youth in foster care or experiencing homelessness, regardless of where they live. The agency also spells out one key limit, "The RydeFreeRT program does not apply to those over 18 years old that are pursuing their GED," SacRT notes. Families looking for the fine print, including full eligibility details and FAQs, can find it on SacRT’s RydeFreeRT page.
What It Costs To Keep The Buses Rolling
As reported by The Sacramento Bee, SacRT estimates the youth fare free program costs around $10 million a year and is now dealing with reduced contributions from its partner agencies. The Bee reports that the agency secured about $4.5 million from the state’s Low Carbon Transportation Operating Program to help plug the gap for now, but officials are already warning that more financial help will be needed beyond the current year. SacRT staff have been authorized to negotiate new agreements with cities, counties and school districts as the agency looks for longer term backing to keep RydeFreeRT in play.
From Pilot Project To Daily Habit
Launched as a pilot in October 2019, RydeFreeRT has been credited with boosting youth ridership and getting students more comfortable with using transit. SacRT logged more than 5 million RydeFreeRT rides in FY2025, a sign that the cards are not just sitting in backpacks. Local coverage has followed the program’s rise, Hoodline wrote about the initiative last summer as it entered its sixth year and noted widespread school and library distribution. For families with questions, SacRT can be reached at 916-321-BUSS (2877), and cards can also be picked up at school offices or participating Sacramento libraries. SacRT's customer service center is located at 1225 R Street, adjacent to the 13th Street light rail station.
