Fort Worth high school students are getting a back-to-school bonus: free rides on Trinity Metro’s transit system.
The pilot program, developed through a partnership with Fort Worth ISD and the transit agency, will launch in September and continue through the 2025-26 school year, officials said.
Trinity Metro’s board of directors unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding for the program at their Aug. 18 meeting.
Anette Landeros, Trinity Metro chief strategic officer, said the partnership will enable students at Fort Worth high schools to participate in after-school educational and extracurricular programs and activities regardless of their household income.
The program allows students to ride free on Trinity Metro’s fixed-route bus service and TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express trains as well as utilize paratransit and On-Demand services cost-free within Tarrant County. Regional fares will be charged for rides into Dallas County.
TEXRail passenger trains stop at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Terminal B Station on June 12, 2025. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
Trinity Metro — with its slogan “Let’s Ride!” — works with community groups and businesses to encourage more transit uses through events such as the recent Storytime Train rides that brought an additional 3,000 riders to the TEXRail train in July and August.
“We want to cultivate the next generation of riders,” Landeros said.
Landeros said the high school program aligns with the district’s mission to encourage student success and the transit agency’s role in serving the community.
“By addressing transportation challenges, this program has the potential to enhance student independence, expand their horizons, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community,” a Trinity Metro staff report said. “A successful pilot could lead to a long-term partnership that benefits thousands of students in years to come.”
Karen Molinar, Fort Worth ISD superintendent, told the Trinity Metro board that the program will be life-changing for many students.
“You are opening such a great opportunity for our students,” Molinar said. “Thank you for this partnership.”
The transit program will aid Fort Worth ISD students as the district faces a possible state takeover because of persistently low student academic performance, largely determined by STAAR results.
Molinar said the program will benefit high schoolers by increasing opportunities for afterschool and sports activities, tutoring, jobs, internships, community resources and social events.
A start date for the program hasn’t been determined. Landeros said Fort Worth ISD is waiting until all high school students have their photo identification badges in hand before the district begins publicizing the free ride program.
Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
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