RAPID CITY, SD—Rapid Transit System (RTS) is preparing for its 10th season of offering the popular ‘Youth Ride Free’ program. Effective next Monday through August 23, parents can learn more about the program and are invited to take a free orientation ride when accompanied by their school-aged child.
RTS officials indicate parents can use the orientation ride to become familiar with routes and schedules and address any questions about the program.
“The parent orientation rides are a great opportunity for the parent and child to ride together and learn our transit schedules, routes and boarding locations,” said RTS Manager Megan Gould-Stabile. “The ‘Youth Ride Free’ service provides parents with peace of mind knowing there is a reliable option for getting their child to school. It’s also a great option when that school car isn’t working or we have cold, inclement weather with icy roads.”
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 student’s name, school, parent or guardian’s name, and a phone number for emergency contact purposes.
Rapid Transit System (RTS) 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 and setting a five-year high for youth ridership. The 2024-25 academic year youth ridership numbers represent an 18 percent increase from the 2023-24 school year (46,827 youth trips), a 28 percent increase from 2022-23 (40,669), 42 percent jump from 2021-22 (33,101) and 51 percent increase from 2020-21 (27,662).RapidRide will also have maps, material and regular ride schedules available as well as material published online under the ‘Youth Ride Free’ tab at www.rapidtransitsystem.org .