WHEATON, IL — As local students prepare to return to the classroom for the start of the new school year, Metra and Pace are offering them free transportation – at least for a day.
Local K-12 students across the greater Chicago area will be able to ride Metra trains and Pace buses for free on Monday, Aug. 22, which is the first day of classes for Chicago Public Schools and many suburban districts.
The Chicago Transit Authority has traditionally offered free transportation to city students on their first day of classes. This year marks the first time that Pace and Metra will offer free rides for any K-12 students who attend public and private schools across the region, the transportation companies announced on Tuesday.
Students will also be able to be accompanied by an adult on Metra trains and Pace buses for free between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Aug. 22.
“We are pleased to be able to help families start the academic year on a positive note by offering free rides for students using Metra to get to their schools,” Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a news release.
Pace officials agreed.
“Pace serves many city and suburban schools with our fixed route and ADA services,” Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger said. “We welcome students and hope these free rides to help them start the school year off strong.”
After the free rides are offered on Aug. 22, students enrolled in grade school or high school can purchase a reduced one-way, 10-ride, or monthly pass, officials said. Student fares are in effect at all times. When purchasing a ticket, students must provide a valid student ID or letter of certification from their school.
The student ID or letter must be displayed along with the ticket when presented to the train conductor or bus driver.
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