Rock Region METRO Launches Summer Youth Pass

Rock Region METRO launched its Summer Youth Pass program Thursday, teaming with City of Little Rock and Little Rock School District leadership to help reach students and families with the news.

The Summer Youth pass is a deeply discounted, unlimited rides $30 pass for students enrolled in Greater Little Rock elementary and secondary schools. The pass is good for three months, June 1-Aug. 31, 2017. The discount saves students $28.50 over a 31-day student pass, which is $19.50 per month. Students must present a current report card as proof of enrollment in a Greater Little Rock-area elementary or secondary school to the River Cities Travel Center (310 Capitol Ave., Little Rock) to purchase the Summer Youth Pass.

“We’re thankful to have the full support of our board in launching this pass, which is a win for both transit and students,” said Jarod Varner, METRO executive director. “We expect to sell more of the Summer Youth Pass than the 31-day student pass during the summer months, breaking even or exceeding our revenue for student-based passes. The bigger benefit, though, is the benefit to students, who gain freedom through use of the public transit system to get to jobs, summer enrichment opportunities and social activities.”

With the help of the City of Little Rock and Little Rock School District, METRO is reaching youths readying for jobs connected through the city’s Community Programs Department as well as local students through fliers, school yard signs, transit system advertising and social media.

“We already have many students riding our system throughout the school year, whether it’s for commuting to school, taking a transit training trip or going on a school field trip. Encouraging student transit use is a great way for youths to learn how to plan a trip based on where and when the trip is occurring and learn how to use technology tools such as the METROtrack mobile app and free bus and streetcar WiFi service for effective time management,” said Varner. “We’re fully invested in demonstrating to students how public transit is a great value to them through this Summer Youth Pass. It can connect them to opportunities crucial to their future plans.”

Students, teachers, parents and caregivers can learn more about the METRO system at rrmetro.org, including the Rider Info menu, where information on transit tools, safety policies and more can be found.