“Kids Ride Free!” all summer on Topeka city buses

Topeka kids can now look forward to a break from school, with summer right around the corner, as well as free transportation around Topeka on city buses.

Since the summer of 2013, Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority has offered bus transportation at no cost on all fixed routes to youth ages 18 and under. They have again launched this popular promotion beginning May 15.

“Summertime is full of activities and Topeka Metro is proud to offer the youth in our community free rides to some of their favorite places in the city,” said Bob Nugent, Topeka Metro general manager.

Kids can ride the bus to the library, pool, meeting up with friends, summer school or for older youth–getting to their workplace. The free rides promotion is only available to youth on Topeka Metro’s fixed routes. In fiscal year 2022, Topeka Metro provided 12,696 rides to area kids.

No IDs are necessary when boarding for those 18 and under during the promotion, however, bus operators reserve the right to ask for ID. Maps and time points for routes are posted on Topeka Metro’s website. Downloading the DoubleMap mobile app on a cell phone will display where buses are in real-time and indicate when the next bus will arrive at a bus stop, which makes it even easier for youth to make sure they are on the right bus. DoubleMap is also available on Topeka Metro’s website  at https://www.topekametro.org/#doublemap. For questions or help with trip planning, call Topeka Metro Customer Service at 785-783-7000.

“Some youth may already ride our buses, but some have not. For those who are new to public transit, offering Kids Ride FREE! instills a lifelong navigation skill that may be useful in the future,” said Nugent.

The promotion will last through August 15, 2023.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice

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