Access Free VIA Bus Passes for
Middle and High School Students
Ready to Ride?
Thanks to a partnership between District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito’s office and VIA Metropolitan Transit, every student ages 12-18 can now access a FREE VIA bus pass to get reliably to and from school for the Spring 2026 semester.
This is a pilot program that we hope will prove to be a necessary and critical investment in our community and schools. But that can only happen if we take advantage of this opportunity and demonstrate the difference transportation access can make in getting our students to and from school more consistently.
For Families:
How to Access a Free Student Bus Pass
- Step 1: Check eligibility. Is your child between ages 12-18? They can access a free bus pass, regardless of the type of school they attend.
- Step 2: Download, print, and fill out the VIA Semester Pass Application form
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Step 3: Bring the form to the school and obtain an administrator’s signature
(e.g., the principal or assistant principal) - Step 4: Deliver your completed form to the nearest VIA office, along with either your child OR their school photo ID, to receive a free bus pass
Need help or have questions? Futuro is here to help.
What to Do Before the First FREE Ride
- Bring the bus pass and keep it in a wallet or backpack
- Download the VIA goMobile+ mobile app to map the route and see bus schedules
- Review VIA's "Your First Ride" step-by-step guide
- Take a photo boarding the bus and share using the hashtags: #ShowUpSA #RideOnVIA
For Schools:
Resources to Help Students Get Free Passes
- Identify students with chronic absences linked to transportation
- Share the application link in all parent-facing materials and communications
- Designate a staff person available to sign applications and guide applicants
- Host a 15-minute bus pass sign-up session or designate a table during events
Why Does Transportation Access Matter?
➡️ Missing just 2 days a month = chronically absent
➡️ Students who are chronically absent in early grades are less likely to read on grade level AND more likely to fall behind long-term
➡️ Transportation is one the most common, solvable barriers
Learn more about chronic absenteeism and its impact on student learning and sign our pledge to commit to #ShowUpSA today.
Transportation access is not just a “nice to have” – it’s an attendance strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to sign up?
To apply for a FREE Student Semester Bus Pass, you only need a completed Semester Pass Application Form.
The form asks for basic student information:
> Student’s name
> Age
> Grade level
> Email address
A school administrator (such as a principal or attendance clerk) must also complete and sign the school verification section confirming the student’s enrollment.
Students will need a photo ID. This can be:
> A current school photo ID, or
> A free photo ID created at a VIA Customer Service Center when picking up the pass.
No additional documentation is required.
What if my kids go to school together but one of them is under the age of 12, can they ride for free too?
At this time, only students ages 12–18 are eligible for a free Semester Pass under the current VIA program. Children younger than 12 are not eligible for the free student pass through this initiative.
However, children ages 4 and under ride free on VIA as part of general fare policy, but must be accompanied by a responsible party when riding.
Is riding VIA safe?
We understand the concern. Letting your child(ren) ride public transit alone can feel scary, especially when they have never done so before.
Here are the facts:
> Crime on VIA buses is very low. The vast majority of rides happen without incident.
> VIA has a dedicated Transit Police Department that patrols buses, transit centers, and responds quickly if needed.
> Most riders are everyday people, such as students, workers, seniors, and families simply trying to get where they need to go.
> Bus operators are licensed and trained professionals who are responsible for safety onboard and know how to respond if an incident occurs.
Here are some additional safety tips:
> Encourage your child to ride with a sibling or friend if possible.
> Practice the route with your child(ren) before sending them on their own.
> Teach basic transit safety.
> Use the Transit app to track buses in real time
> Remember that drivers can call transit police immediately if there’s any issue.
Keep in mind that public buses are public spaces like grocery stores or libraries; most people are just trying to get where they need to go. However, if you have specific safety concerns, VIA’s customer service team can provide up-to-date guidance or connect you with safety resources. They can be reached at (210) 362-2020 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Can my child go alone to the VIA office or do they need to go with a parent/guardian?
Yes, students can visit a VIA Customer Information Center on their own to submit their completed application and pick up their Semester Pass, as long as the application is complete and signed by the school administrator.
Helpful tip: If your student is younger or unfamiliar with the process, accompanying them can make the experience smoother, but a parent/guardian is not required at the time of pickup.
How long is the pass valid?
Semester Passes through this initiative are valid from January 1 to May 31, 2026.
Are the passes only valid for getting to and from school?
These passes are good for unlimited rides on ALL regular VIA bus service routes Monday-Sunday until May 31, 2026. They can be used to get to and from before- and after- school activities like sports, rehearsals, work, and internships.
Do students need to show anything when boarding?
Yes, when boarding the bus with a Student Semester Pass, the rider should present either:
> Their semester pass ID (like a school ID with a VIA decal), or
> Their VIA-issued goCard or VIA ID showing the semester pass.
This ensures the operator can verify that the student is eligible for the free or reduced pass at the time of boarding.