Homeschool benefits and savings in Gainesville and Alachua County
Gainesville's Regional Transit System (RTS) lets riders 18 and under ride its fixed-route buses for free instead of paying the $1.50 adult fare, once they have an Age-Based Farefree program card. The program is based on age, so a homeschooled child qualifies by applying with a photo and a proof-of-age document such as a birth certificate.
Who qualifies
Is 18 or younger
Riders 18 and under taller than 46 inches need a program card. Since March 31, 2025, every rider must pay the fare or show a valid pass.
Shows proof of age
Bring a proof-of-age document such as a driver's license or birth certificate, plus a photo for the card.
Has a parent's signature
A parent or legal guardian signs the application on behalf of a minor.
What the fare saves
RTS's fares page lists what a rider pays without the program card.
- Rides with the program card
- Free
- Adult one-way fare
- $1.50
- 24-hour pass
- $3.00
- Full-fare monthly pass
- $35.00
- Replacement card after the free one
- $10 or $20
Your child pays the fare during the two to three weeks the application is processed, so apply before you need the rides.
How to get free rides
- Before you go
Fill out the application
Use the digital application (it needs a Google account) or print the PDF, and choose a digital card or a physical card.
- At a transfer station
Turn in the form
Bring the form, a photo, and the proof-of-age document to any RTS transfer station or the Admin Building, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., except holidays.
- After 2-3 weeks
Get the card
A digital card arrives as setup instructions by email. A physical card is picked up at the Rosa Parks Transfer Station, 700 SE 3rd Street, when RTS tells you it is ready.
- If it is lost
Replace the card
One free replacement is allowed every three years with a new photo; within that period a lost or damaged card costs $10, then $20 for a second replacement.
- At age 19
Card expires
The card for riders 18 and under expires automatically in the year your child turns 19.
What it includes
Included
- RTS fixed-route buses during regular service hours
Not included
- Gator Aider football and special event service
- Replacement cards beyond the free one every three years
- Use as a government ID
Who to contact about free youth rides
RTS answers questions about passes and the Age-Based Farefree program card.
352-334-2600 65/18 Free Fare Program
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Florida
You must file the initial written notice with the county superintendent within 30 days of starting. You must file a termination notice and the annual evaluation within 30 days of ending the program.
Florida sets these rules:
- Subjects: Parent-directed instruction; Florida law does not prescribe a specific curriculum for a home education program.
- Testing: Provide an annual educational evaluation using one statutory method; a portfolio review is one option, and an alternate method requires agreement with the district superintendent.
- Records: Keep a portfolio with an activities log made as instruction occurs, reading-material titles, and work samples. Preserve it for two years and make it available for inspection on 15 days’ written notice.
- Teachers: Florida does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Florida also has two education savings accounts that home-educated students can use.
- The Personalized Education Program funds a Florida K-12 student's approved education costs through a scholarship organization, with income and priority rules. It is separate from registering a home education program with your district.
- The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities funds approved education and disability costs for a student with a qualifying disability, including one in a registered home education program. The award depends on the disability and its services.
Read the Florida homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Florida
Questions parents ask
- Can a homeschooled child ride RTS for free?
- Yes. Eligibility is based on age, not school. A homeschooled child 18 or younger qualifies once you apply and receive the program card.
- Does my child need a school ID to ride RTS free?
- No. RTS asks for a proof-of-age document, such as a birth certificate or driver's license, and a photo to put on the card.
- Does a young child need a card?
- Only if your child is taller than 46 inches. The application does not require a card for children 46 inches or shorter.
- Can my child ride free while the application is processed?
- No. Processing takes about two to three weeks, and your child pays the fare until the card arrives.
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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