Youth Zero Pass

Reducing barriers to public transit for families and youth

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Cherriots provides rides to youth ages 0-18 at no-cost to them. The Youth Zero Pass program eliminates the fare for all youth ages 0-18 and is applicable to all Cherriots Local, Cherriots Regional, and Cherriots LIFT, year-round. The Youth Zero Pass program is made possible through a collaboration between Cherriots and Salem-Keizer Public Schools. This commitment signifies an investment in the health and well-being of the community as a whole, but especially for those who rely on public transit the most.

Starting October 1, 2024, all youth ages 14-18 will be required to use a FREE pass to board the bus. Students from Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Dallas School District, Central School District, and other participating schools in the region will be required to scan the QR code on the back of their student ID card*. All other youth ages 14-18 will need to come to Cherriots Customer Service to get set up with an account for an app on their smartphone or obtain a free tap card to use when they board. Youth age 13 and under will still ride for free and are not required to have a pass to board.

*Don't have a QR code on your student ID? Go to your school's front office and request a Cherriots Youth Zero Pass QR sticker.

Boarding the bus with your student ID. Step 1. Be prepared with your belongings gathered and your student ID ready prior to when the bus arrives. Step 2. When you board the bus, position the QR code so that it is facing the reader and is completely over the glass portion of the reader and within three inches of it. Step 3. Once the QR code has been accepted, a green light accompanied by an accepted sound will indicate that your pass has been scanned. Note: QR code must be on student ID card. Do not remove, alter, or attach to something other than your student ID card. If your QR code gets damaged or is no longer working, please contact your school for a replacement.

How To Ride

Benefits of Fare Elimination for Youth

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the Youth Zero Pass program is increased access for families within the community. By eliminating the fare for youth, families can travel together on public transit without the added financial burden of paying for children. Families will be able to bring their children with them during their weekly errands and activities without concern for the fare total. Public transit access is one of the strongest indicators of opportunity and upward mobility for families with lower incomes.

Youth in our community also stand to gain from the Youth Zero Pass program. Many youth do not have access to a vehicle or driving privileges and therefore have limited mobility in the community. Walking, biking, and driving with peers are suitable means of getting around, but now riding the bus will be the safest and least expensive alternative. Increased youth ridership will help foster independence in the youth of our community and create a generation of public transit users.

For tips on how to have a safe and comfortable ride with children on board, visit our Riding with Kids page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When did the Youth Zero Pass program begin?

Answer: The Youth Zero Pass program began Sunday, September 4, 2022, as a trial. Since then, Cherriots and Salem-Keizer Public Schools has committed to continuing the program.

Question: Who is eligible for Youth Zero Pass program? 

Answer: All youth ages 0-18 do not pay a fare.

Question: Is there a pass or identification required to show eligibility to the bus operator?

Answer: Starting October 1, 2024, all youth ages 14-18 will be required to use a FREE pass to board the bus. Students from Salem-Keizer Public Schools and other participating schools in the region will be required to scan the QR code on the back of their student ID card. All other youth ages 14-18 will need to come to Cherriots Customer Service to get set up with an account for an app on their smartphone or obtain a free tap card to use when they board. Youth age 13 and under will still ride for free and are not required to have a pass to board.

Question: What is the minimum age a youth needs to be to use Cherriots?

Answer: The recommended age for unaccompanied travel is 12. A measure of ability is that the individual can demonstrate safe, independent travel within the community. 

Question: Where is funding coming from to support this fare elimination?

Answer: In 2022, the City of Salem, the City of Keizer, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools approved one year of youth fare funding to support a trial run of the program. Since 2023, Salem-Keizer Public Schools has committed to funding the program, in partnership with Cherriots.

Question: Why did the City of Salem, the City of Keizer, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools choose to sponsor the Youth Zero Pass program? 

Answer: There are many reasons, including breaking down barriers so that families and youth can access their community: groceries, medical appointments, recreational activities, church, and jobs. Families may not utilize public transportation because the cost of riding with their children can create a financial barrier. Increased access to public transit for youth and families makes for a healthier community. Additionally, building a culture of transit starts young. A culture of transit addresses social, economic, and environmental factors that affect the well-being of the community.