Montgomery CountyDepartment of Transportation
March 18 is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day: Did you know that Ride On operates 7 days a week, has 80+ routes and employs 650 bus operators, transports approximately 65,000 riders daily; ranked 2nd nationally in a Transit App survey as a service most likely to be recommended to family and friends; and had a 20% ridership growth in 2024? Join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of our employees.
Read about our Ride On, Metrobus, Metrorail, and MTA Commuter bus options for Federal Employees HERE.
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Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Cards
- The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card is for Montgomery County residents ages 5 to 18 (older if still in high school).
- Use this card to participate in the Kids Ride Free program.
- Stored value can be added to the card for usage on
- Metrobuses
- Metrorail
- Other transit agencies that accept SmarTrip® cards
-
All student riders use the Youth Cruiser card for free rides and
tap the farebox to be counted.
- School IDs can still be used temporarily.
- There will be an announcement 30 days prior to having the Youth Cruiser card being mandatory.
- We encourage all students to obtain and use their Youth Cruiser cards.
- Cards are no longer valid after graduation from high school.
How to get Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® cards
- There is currently no cost to get your first Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card. Replacement cards cost $2.
- New cards have no stored value.
- Elementary school students must have a parent/guardian complete and sign the application form.
If your home school is one of these participating schools, get your Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card there.
- Complete the application:
English application |
Spanish application
- Application forms are also available in your school’s administrative office.
- Bring your completed application to the designated administrative office on campus. Get your card on the spot!
- You do not need to bring any identification documents.
- Complete the application:
English application |
Spanish application
The student/child or parent/guardian must come in person with proof of age and residency. - Bring one of these proofs of age:
- birth certificate
- state identification
- learner’s permit or driver's license
- passport
- Bring one of these proofs of Montgomery County residency – you do not need to be a US citizen:
- child’s state identification
- learner’s permit or driver's license
- school transcript
- correspondence which has the child’s name and address
- Get the card on the spot at these locations:
Lost or Stolen Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Cards
If your Youth Cruiser card is lost or stolen
- Call SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 or log in to your SmarTrip® account to report your lost or stolen card.
- Get a replacement card at your school or other County location.
- If your previous card had stored value, transfer the balance to your new card.
Need more information?
For information about
- Ride On bus service, call the MC311 Information Center by dialing 311 (from out-of-county: 240-777-0311).
- SmarTrip® cards, including lost or stolen cards, see the SmarTrip® Q&A page or call 1-888-762-7874.
Get email or texts about Ride On news and updates, including Kids Ride Free.
