Youth Ride Free: Building a more connected Hawaiʻi

Every young person in Hawaiʻi deserves the freedom to move—to get to school, sports, after-school programs, jobs, and time with friends—without having to worry about the cost of a bus pass. That’s the vision driving advocates to work toward fare-free public transit for all residents ages 18 and under during the 2026 legislative session. Known as “Youth Ride Free,” the initiative seeks to make mobility affordable and sustainable for Hawaiʻi’s next generation.

Why Transit Matters for Youth

Public transit is more than a way to get from place to place—it’s a tool for growth, opportunity and community connection. When young people can move freely, they gain confidence, independence, and access to the full range of opportunities their islands offer. Transit connects keiki to after-school programs, internships, health care, recreation and friends, while also building lifelong habits that favor walking, biking and public transportation over driving alone.

Research shows that investing in public transit pays off. Public transit not only supports local economies and reduces congestion but also improves public health and safety. When compared to drivers, transit users walk more, emit less carbon, and suffer fewer traffic-related injuries. 

For Hawaiʻi families—many of whom face the nation’s highest cost of living—transit savings can make a meaningful difference. In 2025, it was estimated that Hawaiʻi residents spent over $14,400 per year to own and maintain a personal vehicle—a cost that is out of reach for many low- and moderate-income families. Fare-free transit for keiki can keep more money in family budgets while expanding opportunity for young people statewide. 

The Gaps in Hawaiʻi’s Current Youth Transit Programs

Hawaiʻi already has a patchwork of fare-free and reduced-fare transit programs, but access is uneven and often limited. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s EXPRESS County Bus Pass Program currently provides free rides for some intermediate and highschool students—but only during the school year, only for those who attend their home schools (no-Geographical Exemptions), and only if they live at least 1.5 miles away. 

In 2024 it was estimated that this program served over 17,000 students statewide. However, thousands of keiki are left out: elementary-aged children, students attending private or charter schools, those living closer to school, and those needing transportation in the summer months. 

Meanwhile, youth in Maui County can already ride for free on fixed routes, and Hawaiʻi County’s Hele-On system has been completely fare-free since 2022. Oʻahu and Kauaʻi youth still pay to ride, however. That’s despite Honolulu’s transit fares being raised twice over the last five years. Under the most recent fare increase proposal (see Bill 54), youth fares would increase to $1.75 per ride or nearly $500 per year for youth passes under current proposed increases. 

These inconsistencies create inequity: a keiki’s ability to use transit freely depends largely on where they live, the type of school they attend, and their family’s income.

A Greener Future

Implementing a statewide Youth Ride Free program would expand young people’s mobility options while also advancing the state’s goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. As part of the recent youth-climate Navahine settlement, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has developed a plan to decarbonize the state’s transportation system. As part of this plan, HDOT committed to supporting legislation for fare-free youth transit in 2026.  

Free transit for youth means freedom—to learn and grow. By removing financial barriers to public transit, Hawaiʻi can empower young people to participate fully in their communities, while easing family costs and supporting climate goals.