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How to ride the Valley Metro buses and light rail for free!

Posted at 4:28 AM, Aug 10, 2017
and last updated 2018-06-25 08:46:09-04
Did you know that on average here in Arizona, each person spends over $1,600 on just gas alone? In general, we all want to save money, but as a parent especially, you don't want your kids to waste their cash on gas. Here's a solution!
 
Kids can travel for free in the city of Tempe. The Tempe Youth Transit Pass Program allows all eligible Tempe youth ages six to 18 to ride regional and local Valley Metro buses and the Metro Light Rail for FREE!

All you have to do is register for the program, and you'll get a pass to use immediately that lets your child ride for free.

You can get a pass at the Tempe Transit Store from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and a parent or guardian must accompany the children and teens when registering for the program.

If your child attends Tempe, Compadre, Marcos de Niza or McClintock high schools, and lives in Tempe or Guadalupe, they can get their transit pass at school. Parents and guardians don't need to be present for that.

Go online or call the Tempe Transit Store at 480-858-2350.

The Orbit shuttle buses are also FREE to everyone. It's a neighborhood circulator with five routes. An additional route will be added in October.

People with disabilities, seniors ages 65 years and older, Medicare cardholders and youth ages six to 18 qualify for reduced fares on the local bus and light rail systems. Passengers must have valid proof of identity and eligibility for reduced rates.

Valley Metro in the city of Phoenix offers freebies and discounts as well. Kids ages five and under ride FREE when accompanied by a fare-paying caretaker or guardian. Kids ages six through 18 qualify for reduced fares. A day pass would typically cost $4.00, but the reduced rate is half price, at just $2.00!