Youth Cruz Free
K-12 Students can ride METRO for free.*
Show your student ID to board (suggested for 9-12th grade).
Cruz to school, work, play and more!
Students can now ride METRO for free. Buses serve 24 routes that provide convenient transportation throughout Santa Cruz County. Students can take the bus to school, to work, to the beach, and to meet up with friends.
View our routes and schedules to find out where the bus can take you
*Youth Cruz Free does not apply to Highway 17 Express service.
Bikes are welcome.
Need to make a connection that’s farther than walking allows? Bring your bike. All METRO buses are equipped with bike racks to accommodate up to 3 bicycles.
It’s the eco-friendly way to get around.
METRO is dedicated to protecting the environment and has pledged to transition to a zero-emissions fleet. Currently, METRO is partnering with local environmental partners to give back to help protect Santa Cruz’s beautiful natural resources.
Youth Cruz Free eliminates fares to increase access and encourage ridership for youth in grades K-12.
Riders in 8 th Grade and under may be asked by the driver to identify their grade level or the school they attend. Students may be asked to provide a Student ID if one is available. No registration necessary with a Student ID.
Riders in Grades 9 – 12 will be asked to show ID to the driver. No registration necessary with a Student ID. Riders without a Student ID can validate grade level by getting a special pass from their school or signing up for a free METRO Youth Cruz Free ID.
Get a free METRO Youth Cruz Free ID if you don’t have a student ID: To obtain a METRO Youth Cruz Free ID, please visit one of METRO’s Customer Service windows at either the Watsonville Transit Center or Pacific Station in Downtown Santa Cruz, during business hours, bring a form of ID or proof of grade level, and fill out a Youth Cruz Free On-Demand Form. Please allow at least 5-10 minutes for processing.
Download the Youth Cruz Free ID On-Demand Form.
First ID is free. First replacement ID is $2; further Replacement IDs are $5.
For help, call Customer Service: (831) 425-8600
Youth Cruz Free Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who qualifies for METRO’s Youth Cruz Free Pilot Program?
A: Youth, grades K-12, receive free fares on METRO services throughout Santa Cruz County, excluding Highway 17 Express Service.
Q: When does the Youth Cruz Free Pilot Program start and end?
A: Youth Cruz Free began March 1, 2023, and will run as a pilot program until December 31, 2024. After the term of the pilot program, METRO will review the success of the program to determine next steps.
Q:What is the cutoff date for High School Seniors to utilize free fares via the Youth Cruz Free Program?
A: High School Seniors, graduating in Summer 2024, can continue to ride METRO services for free via the Youth Cruz Free Program until the pilot program concludes June 30, 2024. After that time fares can be purchased to continue utilizing METRO services. For more details on fares visit our fares page.
Q: What form of validation is required for the Youth Cruz Free Pilot Program?
A: Riders in 8th Grade and under may be asked by the driver to identify their grade level or the school they attend. Students may be asked to provide Student ID if one is available. Riders in Grades 9 – 12 will be asked to show ID to the driver. No registration necessary with Student ID.
Q: If I don’t have a student ID, how can I receive free fares for Youth Cruz Free?
A: Riders without a Student ID, can validate grade level by:
- Getting a special pass from their school or
- To obtain a METRO Youth Cruz Free ID, please visit one of METRO’s Customer Service windows at either the Watsonville Transit Center or Pacific Station in Downtown Santa Cruz, during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM (closed for breaks and lunches). For help, call Customer Service: (831) 425-8600.
- METRO Youth Cruz Free ID Cost: 1st ID: Free, 1st Replacement ID: $2, Additional Replacement IDs: $5
- Download the Youth Cruz Free ID On-Demand Form.
Q: What age requirements are there for youth riding alone?
A: METRO recommends that youth below 46”in height be accompanied by a parent/guardian, at the parent’s/guardian’s discretion. If riding alone, youth must be able to follow METRO’s Code of Conduct policy and be responsible for themselves. METRO does not assume responsibility for youth traveling alone.
Q: How can I view METRO’s routes and schedules?
A: METRO posts all system maps, routes, and schedules on our website at scmtd.com/routes. Additionally, METRO publishes our maps and schedules quarterly in our Rider’s Guide, Headways, available throughout the County and at METRO Transit Centers. A PDF version of Headways is also posted to scmtd.com.
Find other useful trip planning tips here.
Q: How can riders stay up to date with route alerts and schedule changes? Does METRO offer any real-time route alerts?
A: METRO keeps riders informed of route changes through several platforms:
- Real-Time Route Information: METRO has soft-launched Santa Cruz METRO Santa Cruz METRO Real-Time. with bus arrival predictions, system map showing actual bus locations on the route, trip planner and option to subscribe to service alerts. Please note that during March and April we are gradually equipping our entire fleet of buses to report to this new system.
- Schedule-by-Stop: Allows riders to search for any Location (Bus Stop or Transit Center) and view today's scheduled arrival at that location in complete detail.
- Agency Email Alerts: Subscribe to receive email alerts regarding agency announcements and general information, board of directors and other upcoming agency events.
- METRO News Bulletins shows quarterly service changes and current posted service alerts
Q: What rules should I follow to ride the bus?
A: For the safety of you, other riders, and our operators METRO does ask all riders to follow our Code of Conduct Policy while onboard our vehicles, at Transit Centers, and while at a bus stop. Please visit scmtd.com/en/riders-guide/riding-tips for details. To view METRO’s complete Code of Conduct Policy visit scmtd.com/Code-of-Conduct
Q: What should I do if someone is harasing me on the bus?
A: Our number one priority is your safety. METRO operators are trained and have continuous access to dispatch, supervisors and security personnel. METRO’s security services include security cameras on our buses and at transit centers, as well as 24-hour security guard coverage at transit centers. We also deploy a field security guard service that can respond to any situation within our service area.
If you see or hear something that causes you concern, please let us know immediately. The entire METRO team is prepared to respond with assistance. The following are ways that you can notify us:
- Notify a security guard stationed at a METRO transit center
- Notify a bus driver/operator
- Notify a METRO representative at a customer service window located at Pacific Station in Santa Cruz or at the Watsonville Transit Center
- Call METRO at (831) 425-8600
- File an incident report online using our Customer Service Ticket and select "Safety & Security" at www.service.scmtd.com
Additionally, remember that you can call 911 if you are in need of immediate assistance.
Q: What is METRO’s One Ride at a Time program and how can I participate?
A: Beginning in January 2023, every ride on a METRO bus donates to our partners in protecting the environment, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the Bay of Life Fund thanks to GO Santa Cruz. Make your impact today. 25 logged rides = $10 donation. To learn more and register visit scmtd.com/onerideatatime.
To participate, track your rides on GO Santa Cruz.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a question?
A: METRO’s Customer Service Department is here to assist you 7 days a week from 8AM – 5PM by phone at (831) 425- 8600 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To see additional FAQs, visit scmtd.com/en/agency-info/faq
Remember to follow METRO’s Code of Conduct when riding:
- Never run after or next to a moving bus.
- Don’t play near buses; pushing and shoving can cause accidents.
- Wait on the sidewalk away from the curb, not in or near the street.
- Never touch a moving bus while it is approaching a bus stop.
- Wait for the bus to stop before approaching.
- Wait for exiting passengers to leave and then board.
- Take a seat if available, use handrails/handholds if standing.
- Do not disturb the bus operator while on the bus.
- No eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping while on the bus. Spilling drinks on the floor can create slippery conditions on the bus.
- Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
- Be ready when you arrive at your stop.
- Exit through the rear doors whenever possible.
- Watch your step, especially at night or in wet weather.
- Step away after exiting the bus.
- If you drop something on the ground when exiting, leave it on the ground until the bus drives away.
Stay safe when biking and riding METRO
- Always wear a helmet.
- Please use signals and follow the same rules as motorists.
- Please keep within the 5’ allowance of bike lanes.
- When riding in wet weather or at night please use headlights, reflectors, taillights, and bright clothing to help make you more visible.
- Remember, if you can’t see an Operator’s eyes, the Operator can’t see you.
- Do not ride between the curb and a vehicle turning right.
- Please walk your bike at all Transit Centers.