On Monday, Oct. 9, Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, launched its Student Adventure Pass. This pilot program allows any student with valid school identification to obtain a pass at no charge and ride anywhere on the Metrolink system for free.
The Student Adventure Pass is made possible through grant funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
“Thank you to Caltrans for providing this transformational grant opportunity, which will help us deliver more equitable access to public transit and increase the number of people who can use our train service,” Metrolink Board Chair Larry McCallon said. “Currently, students only account for 17% of Metrolink’s ridership, but we want to see that number grow. Beginning next Monday, because of Caltrans’ support, we can introduce a new generation of potential riders to public transit as a safe and convenient mode of transportation for school, leisure and work.”
To take advantage of the program, students can download the Metrolink mobile app, register using their school email address, and verify their account to automatically receive the Student Adventure Pass in their mobile ticket wallet. Alternatively, students can obtain a free Student Adventure Pass at any Metrolink ticket machine.
“As a parent with three kids currently attending college, I know firsthand that getting an education isn’t cheap, so this Student Adventure Pass is a game changer for many families across Southern California,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “The great thing about this program is that students of any age and level qualify for it as long as they have valid student identification. So, whether you are an adult student, a high schooler or a parent paying for your child’s education, you can breathe a little sigh of financial relief knowing students can ride our trains for free across our entire system.”
To take advantage of the Student Adventure Pass program, students must have valid student identification and be able to present it upon request during fare inspection.
For more information about how to obtain a free Student Adventure Pass, please visit metrolinktrains.com/students.