New pilot program will soon provide free city bus rides for Jacksonville students

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville middle and high school students will soon be able to catch free city bus rides.

It’s all thanks to a new pilot program called “My Ride 2 School,” launched by Jacksonville Transportation Authority Duval County Public Schools.

Beginning on Jan. 4, 2022, eligible students can ride JTA buses, as well as the First Coast Flyer, for free Monday through Friday (when school is open), from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Middle and high school students that attend a DCPS, private, or charter school in Duval County, can participate in the program.

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To board a city bus, students will need to show a valid school I.D. or one issued to them through the JTA and their school.

“My Ride 2 School expands access for parents and students with a safe and no-cost option to get to class, an afterschool job, or home after a late practice or extracurricular activity,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.

DCPS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diana Greene said she’s thankful for the partnership with JTA.

“While we are not changing our service in anyway, this JTA partnership gives our parents another option to consider for getting their middle and high school students to school, back home, and even to afterschool jobs or other activities outside of school. I am thankful that JTA has stepped up to help us meet our challenges and serve the community,” Greene said.

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The pilot program runs through May 27, 2022.

According to JTA, masks are required onboard any JTA bus or inside a JTA facility, per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directive through at least March 18, 2022.

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