What is a Youth Ride Free Pass?
Ride for free throughout OC.
No stress. No hassle. Your child rides OC Bus for free – making life easier for you!
Ride for free throughout OC.
No stress. No hassle. Your child rides OC Bus for free – making life easier for you!
OC Bus: Convenient, Safe, Trackable
With nearly 60 routes and more than 5,400 stops, OC Bus is a great way to get around Orange County making it a convenient option for anyone who wants to travel within the region. Plus, with initiatives focused on sustainability and accessibility, OC Bus continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the community it serves.
Safe Drivers
Our drivers have passed rigorous background checks; our driving training program is one of the best in the country.
Rider Expectations
When passengers are boarding and riding, we encourage behavior that promotes a safe, secure, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere.
Transit App
Transit App shows accurate next departure times, tracks buses on the map, and displays upcoming transit schedules.
What Do Parents Say about OC Bus?
More than 30,000 youths in Orange County use the pass. Here’s what their parents have to say:
“We are glad that our 10th grader is growing as a more socially sensitive and responsible person while commuting to school and various places by OCTA bus over a year.”
Maria L.
“I would like to share our experience with the Youth Ride Free program. Our son rides the OCTA bus daily to and from school and has done so since 7th grade. Now he's a senior and enjoys traveling all over southern California when not in school. Our key concern is safety and he pays attention to his surroundings.”
Patrick Z.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every school year, a new pass is required along with a new parental request form.
You can pick one up from your child’s school, the OCTA Store, or by emailing YouthRideFee@octa.net.
If your child’s school is not distributing the Youth Ride Free pass, you may request a pass here, or come to the OCTA Store.
Yes. Each child requires a separate form.
One school year. The current pass is good until Sept. 30, 2024. OCTA will issue new passes to schools when appropriate. A new parental request form is required every year.
With nearly 60 routes and more than 5,400 stops, OC Bus makes it easy to get to school, work and fun. Tools such as the Transit App make it simple to figure out when the bus will arrive and how to plan trips. We also offer transit training to promote bus riding confidence.
Grant Funds Offer Many Benefits
The program is grant-funded by the California Department of Transportation and the California Air Resources Board through California Climate Investments which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment.
