Homeschool benefits: Sacramento Regional Transit District
A RydeFreeRT card lets students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade ride every Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) bus and light rail train free, any day, through June 30, 2027, instead of paying the $1.25 student fare or $20 student monthly pass. Youth who live or go to school in the SacRT service area qualify, and a homeschooled student can pick up a card at the SacRT Customer Service Center or a Sacramento County public library.
Who qualifies
Is in grades TK-12
It does not cover people over 18 who are pursuing a GED.
Lives in the service area
If your child lives or goes to school within the SacRT service area, they qualify. A homeschooled child qualifies through your home address.
Carries a valid card
Your child must show a valid RydeFreeRT card, currently the one valid June 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
What free rides save
SacRT's posted fares for students in grades TK-12 and for basic riders ages 19-61 are what a rider without RydeFreeRT pays.
- Student single ride
- $1.25
- Student daily pass
- $3.50
- Student monthly pass
- $20.00
- Basic single ride, ages 19-61
- $2.50
- Basic monthly pass, ages 19-61
- $100.00
- With a RydeFreeRT card
- Free
SacRT renews the program each year depending on funding, so check for a new card before the current one expires June 30, 2027.
How to get the card
- Any time of year
Pick up a card
Schools hand out cards before summer break, but a homeschooled student can get one any time at the SacRT Customer Service and Sales Center, 1225 R Street, or at a Sacramento County public library.
- Every ride
Show the card
Show the card to the operator when boarding a bus, or when asked for fare on light rail.
- By June 30, 2027
Watch for the next card
SacRT issues new cards each year when funding renews the program.
What it includes
Included
- SacRT fixed-route buses
- SacRT light rail
- Rides during school breaks and weekends
- Trips for any purpose, not only school
Not included
- People over 18 pursuing a GED
- Youth outside the SacRT service area, except foster or homeless youth
Partner jurisdictions and school districts help fund RydeFreeRT, and SacRT renews it each year depending on funding.
Good to know
RydeFreeRT works outside school hours
RydeFreeRT works all day, any day, all year during regular SacRT service hours, including school breaks.
Who to contact about RydeFreeRT
The Customer Service and Sales Center at 1225 R Street, next to the 13th Street light rail station, hands out RydeFreeRT cards and answers fare questions.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in California
For the home-based private-school pathway, file the Private School Affidavit during the October 1–15 annual filing period. New schools may use the online filing system during its separate August 1–June 30 opening window. Other legal pathways have their own rules.
California sets these rules:
- Subjects: The private-school pathway must provide instruction in English in the branches of study required for public schools; the parent chooses the materials and course sequence.
- Testing: California does not impose a statewide standardized-testing requirement on private-school students.
- Records: Private schools must keep the records required by California law, including attendance and faculty information.
- Teachers: Private-school instructors must be capable of teaching; California does not issue a separate homeschool-parent credential.
Read the California homeschooling guide See statewide programs in California
Questions parents ask
- Our RydeFreeRT card says it expired. What now?
- Pick up the current card, valid June 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, at the Customer Service and Sales Center or a library. Cards are reissued each year.
- Does it work for an 18-year-old finishing a GED?
- No. SacRT says the program does not apply to people over 18 pursuing a GED.
- Can a homeschool co-op request cards for its students?
- It can apply. SacRT takes card requests from schools, nonprofits, and community organizations through its RydeFreeRT Card Request Form, and a representative reviews each request.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
A student fare helps with trips to classes and activities. We handle the learning at home, with lessons built around your child's interests and feedback on their work.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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