RAPID CITY, S.D.- The first day of school for the new academic year saw increased numbers of youth taking RapidRide buses, according to a report released Wednesday by Rapid Transit System (RTS).
A total of 334 youth passenger trips were recorded on Aug. 19, the first day of the 2025-26 school year for most schools in Rapid City. The number is a 12 percent increase over the 295 trips recorded on Aug. 20, 2024, the first day of the 2024-25 school year. This year’s first-day numbers also represent a 45 percent increase over the same day in 2023 (185), a 40 percent hike over 2022 (200) and a 44 percent jump over 2021 (186).
This is the 10th year the City of Rapid City is offering the “Youth Ride Free” program on RTS. The program was established for the 2016-17 school year as a consistent transportation option to get youth to local schools and other locations such as the library, work commitments and recreational activities. The program is also promoted as a convenient option during the winter months when cold and icy conditions can create transportation issues for families in the Black Hills.
Rapid Transit System recorded 56,867 youth passenger trips during the 2024-25 school year, more than 10,000 additional youth trips recorded over the previous school year, setting a five-year high for youth ridership in Rapid City.
Registration is required for the free transportation program, whether public transit is used occasionally or on a regular basis. Parents and guardians can contact Rapid Transit Service at 605-394-6631 to register or go online to rapidride.org and click on the “Youth Ride Free” button. Information requested includes the student’s name, school, parent or guardian’s name, and a phone number for emergency contact purposes.
RapidRide has maps, material and regular ride schedules available as well as material published online under the “Youth Ride Free” tab at www.rapidtransitsystem.org.