TOPEKA, KAN. (April 21, 2025) – Topeka Metro’s popular Kids Ride FREE! promotion returns May 1 through August 30, 2025. Youth 18 and under can ride fixed-route buses at no cost.

This program offers key benefits:

•     Affordability – Helps families save on transportation during summer.
•     Independence – Youth can travel on their own to summer school, jobs, pools, the library, and more.
•     Safety & Reliability – Buses provide a secure, dependable option for young riders.
•     Skill Development – Encourages confidence and real-world navigation skills.
  
  

"The Kids Ride FREE! program eases financial strain for families and encourages young people to navigate public transportation as well as learning to be more self-sufficient," said Topeka Metro General Manager Bob Nugent. "Our bus operators are supportive and make sure youth can travel safely to a variety of destinations within the city."

Teens may be asked to show ID; riders under 5 years-old are required to be accompanied by an adult. Plan your trip easily at topekametro.mytransitride.com or call customer service at 785-783-7000. Visit topekametro.org for more info.

Bus Operations Hours:

Mon–Fri: 5:40 a.m. – 6:40 p.m.
Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 6:40 p.m.

TOPEKA, KAN (March 21, 2025) -- Topeka Metro and the Amalgamated Transit Union #1360 will hold a food drive to benefit Project Topeka on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. "Stuff the Bus" has been a collaborative effort between Topeka Metro staff and the transit union members (bus operators) for many years.

The food drive will be at the entryways of the Dillons store in Fairlawn Plaza, located at 5311 SW 22nd Place. Donations of canned goods, non-perishables as well as monetary contributions are welcomed. One-hundred percent of all donations go to feeding the hungry in Topeka and Shawnee County. There are seven agencies that receive the donations from Project Topeka: Doorstep, Inc.; Fellowship & Faith Ministries, Inc.;  I-Care, Inc.; Let's Help; The Salvation Army; Topeka North Outreach; and the Topeka Rescue Mission.

In the past, we've had nearly 2,500 pounds of food donated, and up to $400 in cash contributions. All food and funds gathered will immediately be delivered to Project Topeka after 2 p.m. on April 19th.

We hope to see you there! Let's help feed hungry children, adults and the elderly in our own community!

Passengers riding must show the bus operator their Topeka Metro-issued reduced ID card when boarding in order to receive the discount. If you do not have your reduced fare ID, you must pay regular fare or deboard the bus. Initial IDs are free of charge for 3 years and replacement IDS are $2 if lost, damaged or stolen.

If you are interested in applying for a reduced fare (Medicare recipient, Age 65 or older, person/s with a disability or income qualified), an application must be filled out and approved by a social service agency. For more information, go to topekametro.org/fares or call Customer Service at 785-783-7000.

Topeka Metro introduced a new real-time GPS bus tracker, My Transit Ride, in October 2024, allowing passengers to track buses and routes on both desktop and mobile devices. The tracker, accessible via a web link at the top of Topeka Metro's homepage (https://topekametro.mytransitride.com), provides real-time bus locations, predicted arrival times, and notifications for detours, service changes, and weather-related issues.
 
A new feature enables passengers to text or call a dedicated number for estimated arrival times at any bus stop. Each stop has an ID posted on its sign, which passengers can text to 785-333-1113 for immediate arrival updates. This new system improves passenger experience and reduces customer service calls at Quincy Street Station.
 
General Manager Robert Nugent explained, “Using the call or text number at the stop is a faster way for passengers to access needed information, giving them more autonomy and instant results.”

Topeka Metro will operate Limited Holiday Service on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

Lift service standing orders do not apply and are cancelled on ths day. Lift riders must call in advance to reserve a ride, if needed. Fixed route buses will run hourly, with the exception of the #3 East 6th Route, which will run every 30 minutes.

NOTE: Buses will depart from Quincy Street Station (QSS) & return to QSS. Regular schedules will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.      

CLICK HERE FOR THE LIMITED HOLIDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 20, 2025

Topeka Metro will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (Christmas Day) and Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Year's Eve Day). We will be operating regular schedules on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve for the fixed routes, paratransit and MOD (Metro On-Demand). 

Please see our Holiday calendars for reference:

• 2024 Metro Calendar
• 2025 Metro Calendar

Thank you for riding with us this past year. Topeka Metro wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.