AUSTIN, Texas – CapMetro leaders said that all K-12 students can ride Capital Metro services for free as a permanent part of the agency’s fare structure.

• Pilot program began in June
• CapMetro worked closely with AISD throughout the pilot program

The new policy became effective on Thursday.

In June, Capital Metro began a summer pilot program offering free fares for K-12 students in Central Texas and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from children and parents. The agency’s board voted on Wednesday to make the pilot initiative permanent. CapMetro leadrs said that access to frequent, reliable transportation is critical to solving Central Texas dual challenges of mobility and affordability.

READ MORE | CapMetro Launches Summer Program to Give Free Rides to Children

CapMetro worked closely with the Austin Independent School District throughout the pilot program and in making this permanent fare structure change. CapMetro leaders said that feedback from parents factored heavily in the decision to make it permanent. Central Texas K-12 students, with valid ID, and MetroAccess customers under 18, are able to use all Capital Metro service free of charge. Students without a valid ID can visit Capital Metro’s transit store to obtain identification.

For more information on the program, you can visit the CapMetro website.