Create A Minnesota Youth Transit Pass Program

 

The purpose of this act is to increase access to reliable transportation for students by establishing discounted or free

public transit passes. This program is intended to reduce transportation barriers for extracurricular activities,

employment, as well as education. Encouraging equity for families with low income as well as promoting environmental

friendly transit.

 

Many Minnesota students find it difficult to access affordable and consistent transportation to school, jobs, and

community activities. Lack of reliable transportation particularly affects those of low income and is a contributing

factor to absenteeism. Providing free or discounted transit passes improves educational outcomes and increase

independence. Additionally increasing transit ridership for youth supports environmental goals, by reducing the need for

cars which lowers emissions. Similar programs in other states and cities have demonstrated strong student satisfaction

and measurable community benefits. This is a cost effective way to support our youth.

 

Youth: Any Minnesota resident ranging between ages 12 to 18, or any student enrolled in middle or high school regardless

of age.

Public Transit System: Any bus, light rail, or commuter service that is operated by Metro Transit. as well as regional

transit authority in Minnesota.

Youth Transit Pass: A physical or digital pass allowing those who are eligible to participate in free or discounted

public transit passes.

Participating Transit Agencies: Metro Transit, Duluth Transit Authority, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Rochester

Public Transit, and any additional agency that chooses to participate in the program.

 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation(MnDOT) will oversee the Youth Transit Pass Program in partnership with

participating agencies. Funding will come from a combination of State transportation appropriations allocated annually

by the legislature, federal transportation grants for youth mobility, and optional contributions from local school

districts looking to expand. Funds shall cover program administration, production of digital/physical passes, and

reimbursement to agencies for lost revenue.

 

Transit agencies will treat the Youth Transit Pass like all other fare media, fraudulent use- such as use by ineligible

individual- may result in confiscation of the pass. Schools or transit agencies who are distributing the passes must

maintain accurate record to prevent misuse or duplication. Lastly no criminal penalties may be applied to youth for

misuse of the pass, only administrative transit penalties may be enforced.

 

This act will take place on July 1, 2026, with the 2026-2027 school year serving as the first full year of implementing.

MnDOT may begin pilot programs earlier.