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K-12 Rides Free

K-12 Rides Free is a pilot program to provide free bus, MOBY, and ORBT rides during Metro’s regular service hours for any K-12 student in Omaha and the surrounding area.

The fare program initially ran from May 10, 2021 through June 1, 2022. Due to its success (recording over 150,000 rides in its first year!), Metro is extending the pilot until further notice as additional funding is pursued to continue the K-12 Rides Free program.

How to Ride

For more information on how to ride Metro, check out our Rider Guide.

Metro’s MyRide OMA system uses real-time data that allows riders to plan their trip, track their bus, and sign up for news updates and arrival notifications. Check out the MyRide Rider Guide or visit myride.ometro.com.

Before you ride, check out our K-12 Student Rider Responsibilities – thank you for riding safely!

ID Cards

High school students must show school-issued IDs when boarding. Elementary and middle school students can simply inform operators that they are students.

If you don’t have a school-issued ID, we will provide a photo ID free of charge! In order to receive a Metro K-12 card, students must bring proof of high school enrollment to the Metro office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Proof of enrollment can include:

  • Enrollment documentation from a student’s high school, which can include class schedules, confirmation letters, or any other indication of enrollment
  • A signed Acknowledgement Letter from the Nebraska Commissioner of Education if home-schooled in Nebraska
  • Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Form A, Independent Private Instruction (IPI) Response to Written Request Report Form, or another proof of home school enrollment if home-schooled in Iowa
  • GED class registration

Metro cannot provide a K-12 pass without at least one proof of enrollment. Student must be present to obtain photo ID card. 

Metro no puede proporcionar un pase K-12 sin al menos un comprobante de inscripción. El estudiante debe estar presente para obtener una identificación con foto.

MOBY Paratransit

Students must apply to be a registered MOBY client. More information on MOBY can be found here.

Other School Pass Programs

Metro also has pass programs for students at UNO, UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, Clarkson College, MCC, and College of Saint Mary. For more information, visit our Fares & Passes page.

Questions?

Call Customer Service at 402.341.0800 or email k-12@ometro.com.

Program Materials + School Info

K-12 Rides Free Brochure [English | Español]

School Info Sheets:

If you don’t see an info sheet for your school, we can provide one! Let us know at k-12@ometro.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is K-12 Rides Free?

K-12 Rides Free is a pilot program to provide free bus, MOBY, and ORBT rides during Metro’s regular service hours for any K-12 student in Omaha and the surrounding area.

Who is eligible?

Any student from Kindergarten through 12th grade in the Omaha metro or surrounding area. Visiting students are also eligible.

Will students need to show ID?

High school students must show valid school-issued ID cards when boarding. Elementary and middle school students can simply inform operators that they are students.

If a high school student does not have a school-issued ID, Metro will provide a photo ID card free of charge. In order to receive a Metro pass, students must bring proof of high school enrollment to the Metro office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Proof of enrollment can include:

  • Enrollment documentation from a student’s high school, which can include class schedules, confirmation letters, or any other indication of enrollment
  • A signed Acknowledgement Letter from the Nebraska Commissioner of Education if home-schooled in Nebraska
  • Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Form A, Independent Private Instruction (IPI) Response to Written Request Report Form, or another proof of home school enrollment if home-schooled in Iowa
  • Other proof of enrollment, such as online provider verification, curriculum receipts, etc.
  • GED class registration

Note: Metro will respect all privacy concerns with enrollment forms – private information is not necessary for verification.

How long does this pilot program last?

Originally, K-12 Rides Free was scheduled to end on June 1, 2022. Due to the success of the program (recording over 150,000 rides in its first year!), Metro will be extending the pilot until further notice as additional funding is pursued to continue the K-12 Rides Free program for the upcoming school year.

Who is funding K-12 Rides Free?

The first year of the K-12 Rides Free program was funded by a generous grant from a local philanthropic organization. It will now be funded through a partnership between Omaha Public Schools and Metro.

Is riding the bus safe?

Absolutely! Our bus operators are highly trained to drive safely and help riders navigate the Metro system. Cameras monitor all ORBT stations and Metro vehicles.

For more details on transit safety and security, visit ometro.com/safety.

How do I know where my bus is?

Metro’s MyRide OMA system uses real-time data that allows riders to plan their trip, track their bus, and sign up for news updates and arrival notifications. MyRide OMA provides access online, through Android and Apple mobile apps, or via text message.

For more information on MyRide OMA, visit ometro.com/MyRideOMA or myride.ometro.com.

For tips on riding Metro, check out our Rider Guide.

Can I bring my bike along?

All Metro buses are equipped with racks for your bicycle. Racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and your bike rides free!

For more information, visit our Bike + Ride Guide.

What if there aren’t bus routes near my school?

K-12 Rides Free is available on any Metro service, any time it is in service. While some students may not be able to take the bus to or from school, it might be useful for them to get to work, recreation, or anywhere else they need to go.

What if I have unused student fares or passes?

Any unused student fares or passes can be delivered in person or mailed to Metro for reimbursement. A check will be issued in three to five business days. Cash will not be distributed.

Unused passes can be sent, with contact information and a return mailing address, to:

Finance Department

2222 Cuming St.

Omaha, NE 68102

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