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
-
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.