Core Transit receives state funding for a one-year youth fare-free program
Starting Nov. 1, all youth ages 18 and under can ride the bus for free
Vail Daily archive
Starting Friday, Nov. 1, all youth ages 18 and under will be able to ride for free across the entire Core Transit system, including routes with stops in Gypsum and Leadville. This is a limited, 12-month program funded by a state grant to improve youth access to transit in Colorado.
The program will be in place from Nov. 1 through Oct. 31, 2025, offering Eagle County’s youth the chance to travel to school, activities and their favorite hangouts at zero cost.
Most travel on Core Transit is already fare-free thanks to the additional revenue generated by the Core Transit sales tax. Fares are still required for travel to and from Gypsum and Leadville, areas where the tax is not collected.
Core Transit successfully applied for a state grant funded by Senate Bill SB24-032, called “Methods to Increase the Use of Transit,” and administered by the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies to cover all youth fares for the year.
“Youth passes are usually just $1 per ride or $25 for an annual pass, but we’re pleased to have access to this grant funding, which allows us to do better,” said Tanya Allen, executive director of Core Transit. “We couldn’t be more excited about being able to share the benefits of fare-free transit with all youth in our community.”
Support Local Journalism
What does this mean for youth riders?
- Free rides, all day, every day for one year. From school trips to weekend adventures, all youth can now hop on and off Core Transit buses for free, no matter where they’re headed.
- How do operators know you’re a youth? If needed, Core Transit operators may ask for ID to confirm age, so Core Transit recommends carrying your school ID with you.
- What happens to my pass? There is no need to use the pass or the mobile fares app to board the bus starting Nov. 1. If a pass was purchased or after Aug. 1, Core Transit should have already reached out. If not, riders can email coretickets@CoreTransit.org for assistance.
Learn more about how Core Transit empowers local students here. For more information on the free youth rides program or Core Transit’s services, visit CoreTransit.org or contact the team at info@CoreTransit.org.
