Sound Transit Considers Free Fares For Kids, Seeks Public Input

SEATTLE — Sound Transit is considering offering free fares to all passengers 18 years old or younger, but is seeking public input on the idea before it commits to the change.

Back in March, Washington lawmakers approved the Move Ahead Washington transportation package, which offers additional funding to transportation agencies if they adopt free fare policies for riders under 19. King County, for example, would receive $40 million in grants if it adopts its youth fare proposal.

If Sound Transit moves ahead with the plan, it would begin offering free rides to young passengers starting September 1, 2022, just in time for the new school year. Sound Transit says benefits of offering free rides to younger passengers include:

• An increase in affordability for youth and families who use transit
• Increased youth access to activities outside of school, such as medical appointments, after-school activities, or jobs
• Increased use by youth-related programs, such as using transit for school field trips
• Increase in graduation rates for students with free fares
• Normalizing the use of public transit
• Youth riders continue to ride into adulthood and encourage others, such as friends and family members, to do the same

"The new policy will be implemented in partnership with other regional transit agencies to create a seamless experience for riders," the agency said in a news release. "Youth will be encouraged to use an ORCA card when riding. No youth will be turned away or penalized if they do not have an ORCA card, and no personal information will be collected."

Sound Transit will make a decision on free youth fares in July, but will also be collecting public comment on the proposal through June 26. Public comments can be submitted by emailing fares@soundtransit.org, calling 206-717-9077, or by attending a public hearing on June 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Related stories:

WA House Approves $16B Transportation Package, Scraps New Gas Tax

Eastrail Expansion Gets A Big Boost From 'Move Ahead Washington'

Free Youth Transit Plan Moves Forward In King County