Kids Ride FREE! in 10th Year of service

Topeka Metro is launching the popular Kids Ride FREE! promotion beginning May 15, 2023. Kids Ride FREE! is in its 10th year providing no-cost bus transportation to youth ages 18 and under on all fixed route buses. 

“Summertime is full of activities and Topeka Metro is proud to offer the youth in our community free rides to some of their favorite places in the city,” said Bob Nugent, Topeka Metro general manager.

Kids can ride the bus to the library, pool, meeting up with friends, summer school or for older youth getting to their workplace."  In fiscal year 2022, Topeka Metro provided 12,696 rides to area kids.

No IDs are necessary when boarding for those 18 and under during the promotion, however, bus operators reserve the right to check ID. Maps and time points for routes are posted on Topeka Metro's website and in all the Topeka Metro shelters.  Downloading the DoubleMap mobile app on a cell phone will display where buses are in real-time and indicate when the next bus will arrive at a bus stop. DoubleMap is also available on Topeka Metro’s website at https://www.topekametro.org/#doublemap. For questions or help with trip planning, call Topeka Metro Customer Service at 785-783-7000.

“Some youth may already ride our buses, but some have not. For those who are new to public transit, offering Kids Ride FREE! instills a lifelong trip navigation skill that may be useful in the future,” said Nugent. 

The Kids Ride FREE! promotion will last through August 15, 2023. The promotion is only applicable to the fixed route buses, not on paratransit (Lift) buses or the MOD buses.