A faster, more reliable, and easier-to-use bus service has arrived in the region! It's here in time to support your return to school this Fall.

The launch of Metro's new bus network on June 29 marked the beginning of a new era for bus transportation in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The new network was created with a focus on frequent and consistent bus service, enhanced connectivity across the region, and making bus service easier to understand.

Your commute to school may look different after the changes to the bus network went into effect on June 29. All routes have new names; routes, frequencies, and operating hours have changed; and some bus stops have changed. Make sure you know how to get to school this fall by using Metro's resources to learn the new network - including online maps and tools, fun videos, and trip-planning aids like the Metro Trip Planner and the new MetroPulse App.

Plan your back-to-school trips today by visiting wmata.com/BetterBus.

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. For more information click here.

Bus Service Adjustments When Public Schools Are Open

Many students ride transit to get to school. Most schools are well served by regular Metro Bus or Metro Rail service. However, there are some routes that will receive additional trips, providing more capacity to accommodate demand from students. These additional trips will operate on days when public schools are open. For more detailed stop/route information, please view the Metro Bus timetables.

Click on a school name to view its nearby bus service information.

• Archbishop Carroll High School
• Banneker High School
• Bard High School, Ballou High School, MLK Jr Elementary, & KIPP DC Wheeler-Somerset
• Basis Charter & Templeton Academy
• Capital City Public Charter School
• DC International School
• Deal Middle School & Jackson-Reed High School
• Duke Ellington High School
• KIPP DC College Prep
• MacArthur High School
• McKinley Technical High School
• Phelps High School
• Plummer Elementary School
• Ron Brown High School, Woodson High School, & Kelly Miller Middle School

Student Lanes

Metro is bringing back Student Lanes at 12 DC Metrorail stations with dedicated faregates 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, encourage students to obtain one from their school ID Administrator and carry their SmarTrip card with them to tap and ride.