The District Department of Transportation has unveiled a whole new set of rules regarding free Metrobus and D.C. Connector rides for local elementary and secondary school students. The department expounds such travel as a trip by an eligible student to and from school between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Students also can get free fares for school-related travel on the weekend and holidays, but will have to pay full price for any non-eligible trip. Students have to be D.C. residents and under the age of 22, or be a youth currently in the foster care system. They also must be enrolled in a public, charter, parochial or private school in the District and hold a Student Rider Card. The program does not apply to students who already have transportation provided by the District. Eligible students can also purchase Metrorail student travel privileges that will be added to the student’s rider card. The Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools will dictate whether a student is eligible for the Metrorail discounts, based on the student’s proximity to school and to a Metrorail station.
