Student Programs

U-Pass College Student Program

What Is U-Pass?

U-Pass is Metro's college program giving students unlimited rides on Metro Bus and Metro Rail throughout the semester. U-Pass is included in the cost of tuition at participating schools (equivalent to $1 per day).

Who Is Eligible for U-Pass?

In order to be eligible for U-Pass, your school must be enrolled in the Metro program, and you must be a full-time student. 

Learn More About U-Pass:


Kids Ride Free | K-12 Students

Students ride for free on Metro Bus and Metro Rail within the District of Columbia to get to school and school-related activities.

Eligibility: District of Columbia (DC) students between ages 5 to 21 enrolled in an elementary or secondary public, charter, private, or parochial school located within DC, or within a ward of DC through the foster care system.

Kids Ride Free | Brochures

Kids Ride Free | Add Your SmarTrip Card to Your Apple Wallet

DC Kids Ride Free Cards

Families of DC students should contact their enrolled school for information on picking up their Kids Ride Free Card for 2025-2026 School Year. The District Department of Transportation has begun distribution of the cards.

The 2025-2026 school year Kids Ride Free Cards can be used until Sept. 30, 2026.

Students 13-years and older can also transfer their physical Kids Ride Free card to their Apple device so it's with them at all times.

Kids Ride Free + Apple Wallet

Once you receive your card in the mail, follow these easy steps to convert your plastic Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card into a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet.

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the +.
  2. Choose Transit Cards, then choose SmarTrip.
  3. Tap Transfer Existing Card.
  4. Provide your card and account information, then accept the SmarTrip Terms & Conditions.
  5. On a flat surface, place your card against the back of your phone.
You're done! Your Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet is now ready to use. Don't forget to remove your previous card, which expired on September 30, 2025.

Metro is working on the same mobile card for Android devices.

Regional Transit Partner Student Programs