Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Now Required for Free Metrobus Rides
MCDOTFeb 23, 2026
Effective February 1, 2026, Montgomery County students can no longer use student IDs or flash cards at the operator to ride Metrobus fare-free — a valid Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card and a tap of the farebox is now required. Cards are available at MCPS schools, all Montgomery County public libraries, the Silver Spring TRiPS Commuter Store, the Mobile Commuter Store, and the Montgomery County Division of Treasury in Rockville. Students ages 5–18 are eligible for the free Metrobus program within Montgomery County.
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Source: Montgomery County, MD, “February 2026 Ride On Newsletter”, received Feb 23, 2026.
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Key dates
2026-02-01
effective — Student IDs no longer accepted on Metrobus; Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card tap required
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