Since its launch in March 2023, Santa Cruz METRO’s Youth Cruz Free program has been making waves. The initiative, which provides free rides on any METRO bus to youth in grades K-12, has resulted in a remarkable 536% increase in youth bus ridership. In 2024, Youth Cruz Free won first place in the American Public Transit Association’s prestigious AdWheel Awards, the transit industry’s premier recognition for excellence in communications, marketing and community outreach.
Youth Cruz Free, which will run through December 31, 2024, serves as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment for young people in Santa Cruz County. By eliminating transportation barriers, METRO aims to cultivate a lifelong habit of transit usage while broadening opportunities and resources for all youth, especially those in historically underserved communities.
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.