Ride-On Bus Information
Dear Montgomery County Public Schools Contact,
Montgomery County Government implemented a zero-fare policy on all Ride On bus
routes, including Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash buses effective June 29, 2025.
Consequently, students will no longer require a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card to utilize Ride
On bus services.
However, please note that fare payment remains mandatory on Metrobus, but students can
continue to ride Metrobus fare-free within Montgomery County, but only with a valid Youth
Cruiser SmarTrip Card. Student IDs will not be accepted, and no exceptions will be made
on Metrobuses. When boarding, students must tap their cards at the farebox.
The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card remains the sole means for students to access fare-free
Metrobus service within the County. As an authorized distributor of these cards, we
encourage your school to continue issuing them to students who rely on public
transportation.
We appreciate your partnership in disseminating this crucial information to your school
community.
Best Regards
Coletta Mercado
Fare Media Program Specialist I
101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 240-777-5883
Fax: 240-777-5881