
Regional summer travel just got a whole lot better for area youth! County Connection is thrilled to announce the launch of the Youth Ride Free pilot program, which will offer fare-free rides on all County Connection bus routes for youth up to 18 years of age, starting June 1 through July 31. Young riders can simply board without the need for an application or special pass, making access to public transit easier than ever.
The Youth Ride Free program is designed to familiarize young riders with public transit and promote regular bus use, while also allowing County Connection to learn more about where its youth riders want to go. By eliminating fares and an application process, County Connection is removing obstacles that have historically prevented youth from fully utilizing public transportation.
“Our goal is to create life-long transit users, either on our system or elsewhere,” says Kevin Wilk, Board Chair of County Connection. “Encouraging and understanding youth travel behavior are key to this pilot. While previous efforts to lower youth fares have shown some positive results, we need to gain a clearer picture of travel habits–especially among those who may hesitate to fill out an application, by reducing barriers to youths riding public transit.”
Neighboring transit agencies implementing similar programs experienced substantial increases in youth ridership (ranging from 15% to 154%) during the summer of 2024.Transitioning to a fare-free system not only encourages more trips from low-income riders but also enhances bus service efficiency and reduces costs associated with fare collection.
During the summer months, this free transit initiative is also expected to greatly enhance mobility for young people, allowing them to access vital resources such as libraries, parks, shopping centers, and summer job opportunities. Additionally, the program aims to reduce social isolation, foster greater transit literacy, and promote increased physical activity among youth.
Previous programs like the Summer Youth Pass (which has been discontinued) and Pass2Class have facilitated youth access to public transit; however, ridership trends have not shown significant growth in the years since COVID. The Youth Ride Free program aims to change that dynamic.
“With this pilot, we recognize the need to adapt to the changing demands of our young riders,” Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “This initiative encourages us to think creatively about how we can meet their travel habits by incentivizing changes in travel behavior. Regardless of the pilot’s outcome, the data we’re able to collect will help inform future programs.”
In addition to tracking youth ridership, County Connection plans to collect passenger feedback through opt-in surveys, providing young riders with a platform to share their experience. However, providing free transit does come with financial implications. For County Connection, funding this pilot as a research initiative will inform future planning efforts and help determine the feasibility of sustaining a youth transit program in the long term.
At the conclusion of the Youth Ride Free pilot in July, area youth will have the opportunity to register for Pass2Class, a program offered by 511 Contra Costa that requires an application and offers two months of free transit on County Connection buses. Following the pilot, County Connection staff will share data and insights with partnering agencies to ensure alignment and collaboration in future initiatives aimed at engaging our youth riders.
For more information on the Youth Ride Free program, visit countyconnection.com/yrf/