Free bus rides in SLO County? Here’s how kids can take no-cost trips all summer
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- SLO County offers free summer bus rides to K-12 students from June 9 to August 15.
- The program includes SLO Transit and Regional Transit Authority but excludes trolleys.
- Parents can track bus locations in real time using the SLO Transit mobile app.
Looking for free summer transportation for your kids?
San Luis Obispo County is letting children across the county ride the bus for free.
Students can access SLO Transit at no cost from Monday, June 9, through Friday, August 15, according to a news release from the city of San Luis Obispo.
The Summer Youth Ride Free program provides kids with the chance to travel on eight different routes, covering more than 160 stops across the county, the city said.
The no-cost initiative was created to encourage youth to visit local parks, libraries, shopping centers and summer jobs.
“It’s all about giving kids the freedom to explore, connect and learn without needing a car,” the city said.
Who can take the bus for free this summer?
The summer program applies to all SLO County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the city said.
Free public transportation isn’t limited to kids who live in San Luis Obispo either.
Regional Transit Authority buses are also included in the program, making free public transportation accessible for youth living in North County, the Five Cities area and other coastal towns, according to the news release.
However, regular fares for children will continue to apply for all Runabout, SLO Trolley, Morro Bay Trolley and Dial-A-Ride services this summer, San Luis Obispo County Regional Rideshare said on its website.
How kids can take the bus for free in SLO County
The process is simple — all students have to do is step on the bus, no pass required, SLO County Regional Rideshare said.
“Transit offers an eco-friendly way to connect young people to experiences, services, and each other, building life skills and independence along the way,” Alex Fuchs, the city’s mobility services business manager, said in a news release.
Can parents track bus rides?
Yes. If parents want to keep track of their children while they’re riding public transportation, they can download the SLO Transit app, the news release said.
The app allows parents to follow their child’s bus in real time throughout San Luis Obispo.
The SLO Transit app is available on Apple Store and Google Play.
