TransitItem 9.DCity Council Regular Meeting, November 4, 2026
Free bus rides for everyone under 18
Council votes
Wed, Nov 46:00 PM · in 21 days
Cost
$310,000 a year, split with the school district.
Where
Citywide
In plain words
Kids and teens aged 5 to 17 would ride all city buses for free for 2 years. The city and the school district would split the $310K yearly cost.
Who it affects
- A parent: Your kids could ride the bus to school, practice or a job for free. That saves about $45 a month per teen.
- A bus rider: More young riders on buses, especially before and after school.
Arguments for and against
👍 Why some support it
- Helps families who can't drive kids everywhere.
- Builds bus habits early.
👎 Why some oppose it
- Comes during a transit budget shortfall.
- Crowding on school-hour routes.
Where it is now
- Proposed by Youth CommissionJun 10, 2026, done
- Council voteNextNov 4, 2026
- Free rides would startJan 10, 2027