How to get a free bus pass

If you rely on public transit, a free or discounted bus pass can make a big difference. Many states and local transit agencies offer programs to help ease the financial burden of regular bus fares for riders who are low-income, students, seniors, or disabled.

If you get benefits like SNAP, you probably also qualify for free or discounted transit if there’s a program in your city or town. Here’s how to find and apply for a free bus pass in your area.

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Who qualifies for a free bus pass?#who-qualifies-for-a-free-bus-pass

Eligibility requirements for a free bus pass depend on the specific program and the state or city in which it's offered. In general, most programs base eligibility on those who need financial support or face transportation challenges, such as low-income households or people with disabilities.

If you think you may qualify, check the specific program categories down below—they often have their own requirements and application steps.

Free bus pass programs#free-bus-pass-programs

Here are the most common types of reduced-fare or free ride programs. Because every city is different, the exact benefits and rules will vary. Some may offer completely free monthly passes, while others provide discounted or limited-use transit cards.

Low-income transit assistance programs#low-income-transit-assistance-programs

Many cities offer free or reduced transit passes for riders who meet income guidelines or receive public benefits. Eligibility often includes people enrolled in programs like SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

These programs may offer:

• Free monthly or weekly bus passes
• Reduced fares on all local buses
• Discounted reloadable transit cards

Applications are typically handled online or through local transit offices, community centers, or special service agencies.

Example programs:

• Metro’s LIFE Program (Los Angeles): Gives low-income residents of Los Angeles County a free 90-day unlimited ride pass and discounted fares afterwards.
• CapMetro’s Equifare program (Austin, TX): Offers reduced fares for households below 200% of the federal poverty level or who are enrolled in social-service programs.
• TriMet’s Honored Citizen Hop card (Portland, OR): Provides income-based reduced fares for Oregon residents and the first month free under promotions.

Job seeker and employment programs#job-seeker-and-employment-programs

Transportation can be a huge barrier for those looking for work, so many cities and nonprofits offer reduced fare bus passes to job seekers.

You may qualify if you are:

• Unemployed and actively applying for jobs
• Enrolled in a workforce development or job training program
• Starting a new job and need transportation until your first paycheck

Passes can be used to help you get to interviews, training sessions, or commuting back and forth during your first couple of weeks of a new job.

Example programs:

• United Way of the Mid‑Willamette Valley (Salem‑Keizer, OR): Issues free or reduced bus passes via community partner non-profits to help job seekers and other residents.
• NJ TRANSIT “Get A Job. Get A Ride” program (New Jersey): Offers a free one-month bus or rail pass for qualified new employees when their employer partners with the program.

Student and youth programs#student-and-youth-programs

Students may be able to qualify for free or discounted bus passes to help them safely get to and from school and after-school activities.

Programs vary, but often include:

• Free or discounted K-12 bus passes during the school year
• Discounted or free college/university transit passes
• Youth passes for riders under age 18

Eligibility usually depends on age or school enrollment, and some programs require families or schools to apply on behalf of the student.

Example programs:

• OCTA Youth Ride Free program (Orange County, CA): Kids ages 6-18 can ride OC buses for free year-round.
• NFTA Metro’s College Pass Program (Erie-Niagara County, NY): Gives unlimited transit passes to students enrolled in participating colleges.

Senior bus passes#senior-bus-passes

Riders who are aged 60-65 or older may be able to access free or reduced bus fares in some cities.

Senior programs usually require:

• Meeting a minimum age requirement
• Providing proof of age, like a driver's license or state ID
• Showing proof of residency within the transit service area

Example programs:

• RTD’s Senior Special Discount Card (Denver): Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for reduced fares on regular bus and rail services throughout the RTD system.
• ORCA Senior Card program (Puget Sound, WA): Seniors over the age of 65 (and other eligible riders) can get a free reduced fare permit that they can use on buses and other transit services.

Disability assistance programs#disability-assistance-programs

Many cities offer free or discounted bus passes for people with disabilities to help make public transit more accessible.

These programs may offer:

• Free or discounted local bus passes
• Eligibility for ADA paratransit services
• Companion or caregiver passes (in some cities)

To qualify, participants will often need to show proof of a disability, like a Disabled Person Placard ID issued by your state's DMV or proof of enrollment in programs like SSDI, SSI, or Medicaid.

Example programs:

• Pace ADA program (Chicago): Offers disabled riders (and their attendants) free and discounted bus rides.
• RTC Discount Card/Clipper (San Francisco): Eligible riders with disabilities get reduced fares on buses, rails, and ferries across the Bay Area transit network.

Veteran and service member passes#veteran-and-service-member-passes

Some programs offer no-cost or discounted bus passes for veterans, especially disabled veterans or active duty service members.

Eligibility requirements may vary, but could include:

• Proof of veteran active duty status
• Enrollment in certain veteran assistance programs or benefits
• Proof of residency

Example programs:

• CTA’s Military Service Pass (Chicago): Active U.S. military personnel (in uniform or with a valid ID) and qualifying disabled veterans can ride CTA buses and trains for free.
• CATA’s Veteran Bus Pass (Lansing, MI): Veterans can request a free pass that grants unlimited rides on all CATA’s transportation services.

How to apply for a free bus pass#how-to-apply-for-a-free-bus-pass

You can find and apply for a free bus pass program in your area by:

• Visiting your local transit agency website to explore available programs
• Dialing 211 or visiting the website to connect with local transportation resources and assistance programs
• Calling your city or county transportation office to ask about transportation assistance
• Contacting community organizations or local nonprofits that partner with transportation agencies to give away passes
• Getting in touch with your SNAP or TANF caseworker to help connect you with local programs