WASHINGTON — Rules set out by the District Department of Transportation would offer free Metrobus and D.C. Connector rides for D.C. elementary and secondary school students for school-related travel.
The department defines such travel as a trip by an eligible student to and from school between 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., and between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Students also can get free fares for school-related travel on the weekend and holidays, but they will have to pay full fare for any non-eligible trip.
Students must be D.C. residents and under the age of 22, or be a youth in the foster care system. They also must attended a public, charter, parochial or private school in the District and possess a Student Rider Card.
Free Metrobus and D.C. Connector rides do not apply to students who already have transportation provided by the District.
DDOT also finalized rules on Metrorail discounts. Eligible students can purchase Metrorail student travel privileges that will be added to the student’s rider card.
Students can purchase a monthly student transit pass for $30, which allows them to make an unlimited number of eligible trips for the month. Students can buy a 10-trip pass for $9.50. Prices will rise in keeping with any future fare increase.
The Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools will determine whether a student is eligible for the Metrorail discounts, based on the student’s proximity to school and to a Metrorail station.
