SE Valley Times

Tempe, Arizona, April 29, 2024 - The City of Tempe is excited to announce a new initiative providing free transit rides for youth in the area. According to the article, "Need a lift? Tempe and Guadalupe kids, 6-18 years old, can explore the Valley with their own set of wheels with a free Youth Transit Pass."

The Youth Transit Pass will allow young individuals to travel to school, work, parks, and stores for free using the light rail, Streetcar, and all Valley Metro buses. This initiative aims to make transportation more accessible for the youth in the community.

To ensure compatibility with Valley Metro's new fare box technology, current pass holders are advised to obtain the new Youth Transit Pass before June 1, 2024. The current pass will no longer be usable after May 31, 2024.

Interested individuals can sign up for the passes at the Tempe Transit Store on weekdays. A parent or guardian must accompany the youth and provide the necessary documentation when registering for the program. Students attending specific high schools in the area can also obtain the pass at school.

The article also highlights the funding source for this program, stating, "In 1996, Tempe residents passed a half-cent sales tax for transit operations and improvements. The transit tax funds the free Tempe Youth Transit Pass program."

Tempe continues to position itself as a technology and business hub, a welcoming community, and a center for recreation and adventure. The city boasts a comprehensive transportation system, including over 220 miles of bikeways, free neighborhood circulator routes, a bus network, light rail stops, and a streetcar, making it convenient for residents and visitors to travel.

For more information on the Youth Transit Pass program and registration details, interested parties can visit tempe.gov/YouthPass.

Contact:

Mary Kate Nacke

City of Tempe Public Information Officer

marykate_nacke@tempe.gov

480-521-5002

Copyright © 2024 City of Tempe. All rights reserved.