The Rapid City Transit system is once again providing free bus passes to young people.
The ‘Youth Ride Free’ program is a way for elementary, middle, and high school students to get to school more easily in the winter months. It also helps them get around the city for recreational activities using the RapidRide bus service.
Darrell Shoemaker is the Communications Coordinator for the city. He says this program is a great way to expose young riders to public transportation.
"Most of these kids will probably stay in South Dakota, stay in the Black Hills area, or even if they go to other communities where public transportation is a convenient option." They’ve had this positive experience growing up with public transportation and we just see that as a win-win for us as a community and certainly for them as individuals,” Shoemaker said.
More than 10,000 youth passenger trips are recorded each year.
Those interested can register for a free bus pass at the RapidRide website.