A: Youth-Pass is a program that allows all Washoe County School District (WCSD) students and Charter School students from WCSD affiliated schools under 18 to ride RTC buses for free, helping families access safe, reliable transportation to school, summer programs, jobs, and other opportunities.

• All WCSD students under 18
• Charter School students from WCSD affiliated schools under 18
•  Students under 6 must ride with a parent or guardian (parents must pay their own fare)
•  WCSD high school students over 18 must pay unless their school validates their student ID. (TMCC, UNR, Desert Research Institute, and Western Nevada College students ride free using their college ID through RTC’s Ed-Pass Program.)
• Graduated students under 18 can still use the service

A: RTC and WCSD launched Youth-Pass on June 7, 2025. The program will run through June 30, 2026

A: Students can access Youth-Pass using the Token Transit app. A link to the Youth-Pass signup form can be found on the Token Transit website. Once the student completes the form and redeems his or her pass, Youth-Pass will be stored within the Token Transportation app on the student’s phone. To ride, the student simply boards the bus and scans the Youth-Pass ticket on his or her phone.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to download the Token Transit app, sign up for Youth-Pass, and redeeming your student’s ticket.

A: You can find it on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). A direct link can be found at tokentransit.com/app.

A: WCSD principals will have RTC-approved paper passes starting Aug. 11, 2025. Contact your school’s principal for more information.

A: Students can ride anywhere RTC RIDE buses go, including school, summer jobs, Kids Café sites, libraries, and more

A: No. This is separate from the yellow school bus system. RTC buses follow established city-and county-wide transit routes and schedules. Both systems will operate as usual, and eligible students may use either. Learn more about RTC routes and schedules here.

• RTC buses are equipped with video and audio recording
• Students are expected to follow RTC’s Code of Conduct
• Inappropriate behavior can result in warnings or bans
• RTC buses are not supervised like school buses, students must know where and when to get off

A: Parents should contact local law enforcement for incidents that occur off campus. WCSD staff can support as needed but are not responsible for incidents that occur on public transit outside of school oversight

A: Yes, principals retain the authority to respond to misconduct while on the way to and from school, even on RTC buses.

A: Students should not be using RTC during school hours unless excused or enrolled in an off- campus program. Inappropriate use can result in school disciplinary measures.

A: Middle and elementary school families are encouraged to discuss expectations with their child. The RTC system is safe, but it is not staffed like a school bus. Young students may benefit from riding with an older sibling or neighbor.

A: Parents should first contact RTC Customer Service at 775-348-RIDE (348-7433) to check route or schedule delays. You may also check with your child’s school or local law enforcement depending on the situation

• Messaging to students about expectations and consequences
• Schools will receive tools to educate families
• Parents are encouraged to monitor when and where their child ride

A: Visit www.washoeschools.net/youthridefree, check your school’s newsletter, or contact RTC Customer Service at 775-348-RIDE (348-7433) directly