SamTrans provides free bus travel for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged (SED) students. School districts and individual schools distribute free passes to eligible students. Contact your school if you are eligible to receive a pass.
The SamTrans Youth Unlimited Pass is valid from August 1st of the current school year to August 31st of the next school year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I use my Youth Unlimited pass?
When boarding the bus, you will swipe the pass through the farebox. Be sure to take care of your pass so it lasts the entire school year. Keep it away from magnets, do not bend and do not get wet.
What if lost my pass or it stops working?
Please tell your school administrator.
How do I find out which SamTrans routes serve my school?
Visit https://www.samtrans.com/rider-info/youth-riders, call SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287 or email youthmobility@samtrans.com.
Are parents eligible for the program?
No, it’s a student-only program. However, the Clipper® START program offers a 50% fare discount for adult low-income SamTrans riders. To learn more and apply for the discount, visit the Clipper® START website.
Program Overview
In partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education, SamTrans provides free bus fares for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged (SED) students, as defined by the California Department of Education. SED students include students that are eligible for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program, students experiencing homelessness, foster-youth, migrant students, and students whose parents did not graduate high school. Full definition of SED students is available in the California Department of Education's "California School Dashboard Technical Guide," located on page 39.
The overall goals of the Youth Unlimited Program are to reduce transportation costs for low-income families, attract new and more frequent riders, and understand the potential operational impacts of providing free bus travel to youth riders.