As students head back to school, families can save on transportation costs thanks to the RydeFreeRT program, which allows all transitional kindergarten through 12th grade students to ride Sacramento Regional Transit District buses and light rail for free.

The program is supported through partnerships with local jurisdictions and school districts, including the City of Sacramento. The City contributed $250,000 this year to help fund the program as part of a broader regional partnership.

The City also is represented on the SacRT Board of Directors by Councilmembers Rick Jennings, Caity Maple and Roger Dickinson, who help guide regional transit programs and investments that benefit Sacramento residents.

“Every student deserves a safe and reliable way to get to school and the opportunities that help them succeed,” Mayor Kevin McCarty said. “By partnering with SacRT to support RydeFreeRT, we’re helping families save money while making it easier for students to get to class, after-school activities, jobs and other destinations throughout our city.”

With a valid RydeFreeRT card, students can ride SacRT’s entire transit network fare-free, making it easier to travel to school, extracurricular activities, libraries, jobs and other destinations across the Sacramento region.

RydeFreeRT cards for the 2026-27 school year are available through participating school offices, Sacramento County public libraries and the SacRT Customer Service and Sales Center (1225 R St.).

Students simply need to show their valid RydeFreeRT card when boarding a bus or when requested by a fare inspector on light rail.

The RydeFreeRT program has become an important transportation resource for thousands of local families, helping students access education and opportunities while reducing transportation costs.

To learn more about the program or find out how to obtain a RydeFreeRT card, visit sacrt.com/rydefreert or call SacRT Customer Service at 916-321-BUSS (2877).