Press Release: SolTrans 2024 Youth Ride Free Program Shows 62% Increase
NEWS RELEASE
June 11, 2024
Solano County, CA – As the school year comes to an end, Solano County Transit (SolTrans) would like to remind the community that the "Youth Ride Free" program will continue throughout the summer, allowing all youth aged 18 and under to ride SolTrans local and Express Lines at no cost. This initiative aims to provide accessible and convenient transportation for young riders all summer long.
Youth ridership has seen a significant increase with the implementation of the Youth Ride Free program. In May 2024, the number of young riders surpassed 6,500, compared to just over 4,000 in May 2023 which is an astounding 62% increase. This growth reflects the program's success in making public transportation more appealing and accessible to the youth in our community.
"We are committed to supporting our community by making transportation more accessible," said SolTrans Executive Director Beth Kranda. "By providing free rides for youth, we hope to encourage our young riders to explore the community, participate in educational and recreational activities, and lay the foundation to become lifelong transit riders."
SolTrans invites all youth to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether it's getting to a summer job, visiting friends, or exploring local attractions, SolTrans is here to ensure that transportation is one less worry this summer.
The Youth Ride Free Pilot began in April 2024 intending to improve school attendance and increase ridership. The pilot runs from April 2024 to June 2025. Should SolTrans reach those goals the SolTrans Board will be asked to permanently adopt the free rides for youth in the summer of 2025.
For more information about the Youth Ride Free program or to plan your next trip, visit SolTrans.org.
Solano County Transit (SolTrans) has been the public transportation provider for south Solano County since July 2011. SolTrans provides local and SolanoExpress fixed routes and complementary paratransit. The agency is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) governed by a six-member Board of Directors, composed of two representatives from the cities of Benicia and Vallejo, Solano County’s representative on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and a representative from the Solano Transportation Authority.
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