By admin 
As school gets underway, one of the costs to factor in for many parents and their children are transportation fees.
Read more Autopsy reveals how Jack Roney, a former NC State swimmer and coach, died
However, students from kindergarten to the 12th grade can ride the entire Sacramento Regional Transit network for free with a RydeFreeRT card. That includes all RT buses, as well as the light rail.
Here’s what to know.
What is a RydeFreeRT card?
The RydeFreeRT program launched in 2019. According to the Sacramento Regional Transit website, the program was helmed by former Sacramento city councilmember Jay Schenirer, as a way to “combat chronic absenteeism in schools and offer youth more options for transportation to and from activities when they are not in school.”
The cards are often distributed in schools prior to the start of summer vacation. Their use is not limited to going to school or school activities. The intent behind the cards, reads an Aug. 7 news release, is to help local youth not only attend school, but also to help them reach “extracurricular activities, libraries, jobs and other destinations across the Sacramento region.”
RydeFreeRT has proven to be extremely popular. The program logged five million rides by local youth in the last school year alone. However, the future of the program is currently uncertain, as funding dries up.
Read more Tony Thurmond’s veiled warning: Go along with Sacramento City Unified teachers | Opinion
According to the Aug. 7 release, the City of Sacramento contributed $250,000 to the program this year.
“Every student deserves a safe and reliable way to get to school and the opportunities that help them succeed,” Mayor Kevin McCarty said in the statement.
How can I get a RydeFreeRT card?
Here are the fast facts about getting a RydeFreeRT card:
- Students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade who attend school within the SacRT area are qualified for free RydeFreeRT cards.
- The current RydeFreeRT cards became available at the beginning of the summer, and they will be valid until June 30, 2027.
- Students must show RydeFreeRT cards to bus operators upon boarding or to RT staff on the light rail when asked for proof of fare.
- Cards are available year-round from Sacramento County Public Libraries.
- Cards are also available at the Customer Service and Sales Center at 1225 R Street. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- According to its website, RydeFreeRT cards are also available to youth in foster programs or experiencing homelessness, “regardless of current residence or school address.”
- The cards are usable outside of school hours.
More information about RydeFreeRT is available at sacrt.com/rydefreert or by calling customer service at 916-321-BUSS (2877).
Read more Sacramento sportscaster Jake Gadon leaving KOVR TV after four years