Crossposted from Metro Matters

Backpack, water bottle, notebook, laptop, ORCA card!

Since September 2022, young people throughout King County haven’t needed to ask family for a ride or for money to take transit. They just had to walk to a bus, streetcar, or light rail stop, or get to a water taxi or ferry terminal.

This September marks the start of the fifth school year where kids and teens across the state can board regional transit for free until their 19th birthday, thanks to the Free Youth Transit Pass. That program provides young people with access to school, work, activities and so much more.

“I grew up taking the bus throughout Seattle and King County, so I know firsthand what it means for a young person to have the freedom to get around on their own,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. Read more.