Metro has back-to-school tips for students on our new bus routes, Kids Ride Free cards, and student lanes

Metro has three things they want students and families to know for stress-free travel as they head back to the classroom this fall.

• All our bus routes have changed! Be prepared for your new school commute by using the Trip Planner at wmata.com/tripplanner.
• Kids Ride Free cards for DC students will be distributed by schools soon. All Kids Ride Free Cards assigned during the 2024-2025 school year are still active until Sept.30.
• Students can use the DC student faregate lanes at Metrorail stations for additional assistance.

New bus routes 

Faster, more reliable, and easier-to-use bus service has arrived in the region!

Metro launched the new bus network on June 29. The new network is less complicated, provides more frequent and consistent bus service, and improves connectivity across the region.

Student commutes to school may look different because of the changes. All routes have new names; routes, frequencies, and operating hours have changed; and some bus stops have changed.

Students are encouraged to plan their trip at wmata.com/tripplanner and learn more about the new network by looking at online maps and tools,fun videos, and more at wmata.com/backtoschool. Students can also download the new MetroPulse App for real-time bus and train arrival information.

Metro is attending 14 school outreach events this summer to alert students and families of the bus changes. Metro has already engaged more than 1,200 school leaders, educators, students, and family members about the changes so far. 

Metro ambassadors will also be out at select bus bays and bus stops to help students on the first day of school, Aug. 25.

DC Kids Ride Free cards

Families of DC students should contact their enrolled school for information on picking up their Kids Ride Free Card for 2025-2026 School Year. The District Department of Transportation has begun distribution of the cards. 

The 2024-2025 school year Kids Ride Free Cards can be used until Sept. 30. 

Students 13-years and older can also transfer their physical Kids Ride Free card to their Apple device so it’s with them at all times. 

Follow these easy steps to convert your plastic Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card into a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet.

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the +.
2. Choose Transit Cards, then choose SmarTrip.
3. Tap Transfer Existing Card.
4. Provide your card and account information, then accept the SmarTrip terms and conditions.
5. On a flat surface, place your card against the back of your phone. 

You’re done! Your Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet is now ready for use! Don’t forget to remove last year’s card, which will expire on September 30, 2025 and add your 2025-2026 card once you receive it.

Metro is working with Google to make the card available online for Android devices. 

For more on DC’s Kids Ride Free program visit DDOT’s website

Student lanes

Metro is bringing back student lanes at 12 DC Metrorail stations with dedicated fare gates for students to enter and exit the station. The stations are:

Station Managers will be on hand to help students who may have issues with their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards. 

If students do not have a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card, students should contact their enrolled school. 

Students riding Metrobus or Metrorail should always have their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card with them or be prepared to pay the regular fare for their trip. In addition, students should always tap their card at the Metrorail fare gate or Metrobus fare box.