Zero Fare for Youth
Youth Ride Free on STA!
STA makes it easy for youth to ride transit. All youth 18 and under ride free. Here’s how:
ZERO-FARE
Rider’s License
A free Rider’s License Connect card offers youth unlimited rides on all STA routes.
Youth can apply online, visit Customer Service at STA Plaza, or any local Spokane, Liberty Lake, or County library branch. There is no cost for the card!
Note: Every physical Connect card and eConnect card are separate, so you can’t switch between them to pay fare from the same account.
- Available to youth age 6-18
- Unlimited rides on STA without fare
- Issued by Spokane Transit
- Contact STA for questions
SPS High School Student ID
SPS high school student IDs also offer free, unlimited bus rides with STA. Just tap your Student ID on the validator when you get on the bus.
- Available to all SPS high school students
- Unlimited rides on STA without fare
- Issued by Spokane Public Schools
- Contact your local school for questions
Use Your Phone (with the STA Connect app)
If you have a Rider’s License or an online account with an eConnect card, contact Customer Service to have them add your Rider’s License to the eConnect card.
If you don’t have a Connect account or a Rider’s License, first register an online Connect account and create an eConnect card in the STA Connect app. Then use your eConnect number when applying for your Rider’s License.
Note: Every physical Connect card and eConnect card are separate, so you can’t switch between them to pay fare from the same account.
Other Options
If none of the above options work for you, don’t worry — youth 18 and under will not be refused service on STA. Here are some other ways you can ride without fare:
Use Student ID card
Show the bus driver your valid student ID card when you board the bus.
Youth 18 and under ride free
If you don’t have your Rider’s License yet, just board the bus and tell the driver your age. No youth 18 and under will be turned away.
How To Ride
Tap your card to ride!
- When you board the bus, place your SPS Student ID or Connect card flat against the card reader.
- When you your card has been validated, you'll hear a beep and see a green check mark.
Rules of Conduct
- Be courteous and considerate of other riders: move over for others and don’t block spaces or seats.
- No eating on the bus.
- Use headphones to listen to audio on mobile devices.
- Drinks are allowed but must be in covered containers.
- Stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus.
- Don’t distract the driver while the bus is in motion.
Plan Your Trip
Use STA’s online trip planner to find the fastest bus route to your destination. You can also call (509) 328-RIDE for trip planning assistance.
- Open the Trip Planning Tool (click here).
- Enter your Starting Point and Destination.
- Select when you’d like to leave/arrive at your destination.
- Select which option works for you.
Riding With an SPS High School Student ID?
Below are routes that serve SPS high schools.
4327 North Ash Street, Spokane, WA
1622 East Wellesley Avenue, Spokane, WA
6903 East 4th Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA
4091 North Regal Street, Spokane, WA
1600 North Howard Street, Spokane, WA
4141 North Regal Street, Spokane, WA
521 West 4th Avenue, Spokane, WA
3020 East 37th Avenue, Spokane, WA
1025 West Spofford Avenue, Spokane, WA
Need Assistance?
Questions about SPS Student IDs?
Contact Spokane Public Schools for any questions about SPS Student IDs for high school students.
Questions about Connect cards?
View STA’s answers to common questions about using a Connect card.
Questions about STA bus service?
STA Customer Service is available to assist with many aspects of riding the bus, such as:
- Assistance with trip planning
- Finding your bus stops
- Lost and found