Homeschool benefits: Fort Wayne and Citilink
Fort Wayne Citilink charges riders ages 5-18 half the full fare: $0.75 a ride, $1.85 for an All Day Pass, or $27 for a 31-Day Pass, and children under 5 ride free. A homeschooled child without a school picture ID gets a Citilink reduced fare ID for $3.75, good for three years.
Who qualifies
Is 5 to 18 years old
Citilink offers reduced fares to children ages 5-18. Children under 5 ride free.
Shows a picture ID
Special fares require a Citilink or school-issued picture ID card. A homeschooled child without a school ID can get the Citilink card, which costs $3.75 and lasts three years.
Tells the driver first
If your child pays cash, they must tell the driver they are paying the reduced fare before putting money in the farebox. Riders without an ID card pay the regular fare.
What the fare saves
Prices come from Citilink's fare table, which lists the reduced price for youth ages 5-18 next to the full fare.
- Ticket to Ride
- $0.75 ($1.50)
- All Day Pass
- $1.85 ($3.75)
- 31-Day Pass
- $27.00 ($54.00)
- Youth Summer Fun Pass
- $30, or $25 on Token Transit
- Children under 5
- Free
- Citilink reduced fare ID
- $3.75 for 3 years
Citilink gives no refunds on the ID card, and the fare page does not list the Summer Fun Pass dates, so ask Customer Service before buying it.
How to ride at the youth fare
- Before the first ride
Get a Citilink ID
If your child has no school-issued picture ID, visit Citilink's office to get a reduced fare ID for $3.75.
- Buying fares
Choose the reduced fare
Buy passes in the Token Transit app, in Citilink's online pass store, or pay cash on board after telling the driver.
- On the bus
Show the ID
Your child shows the Citilink or school picture ID with each reduced fare. Without it, the regular fare applies.
- Every 3 years
Renew the ID
Citilink reduced fare ID cards are valid for three years.
What it includes
Included
- Fixed-route bus rides in Fort Wayne
- Single rides, All Day Passes, and 31-Day Passes
- Free rides for children under 5
Not included
- Refunds on the ID card
- Riders over 18 who do not otherwise qualify
Good to know
Homeschooled children get the youth fare
The youth fare depends on age, 5 to 18, not school enrollment. Your child needs a picture ID, and a Citilink-issued ID works when there is no school ID.
Who to contact about youth fares
Customer Service answers fare and route questions, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Indiana
No state registration or homeschool number is required. On withdrawal, notify the school in writing. For a high-school student, a parent or guardian must also sign the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana form.
Indiana sets these rules:
- Subjects: Provide 180 days of instruction and instruction equivalent to public schools; state law does not define equivalency, and public-school curriculum rules do not apply.
- Testing: Indiana does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Indiana requires you to keep attendance records.
- Teachers: Indiana does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Indiana also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Indiana Education Scholarship Account pays about 90% of state tuition support, for students with a qualifying disability or an eligible sibling. Once enrolled, your child is no longer an independent homeschool student, and the money stays in ClassWallet for approved costs.
Read the Indiana homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Indiana
Questions parents ask
- Where do we get the Citilink ID?
- At Citilink's main office, 801 Leesburg Road, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 260-432-4977 to confirm before you go.
- Can my child pay with a phone?
- Yes. The Token Transit app sells Citilink passes for use on a smartphone, and the Youth Summer Fun Pass costs $25 there instead of $30 for a physical pass.
- Is a monthly pass worth it?
- Yes, if your child rides more than 36 times a month. The youth 31-Day Pass costs $27, the same as 36 single youth rides at $0.75.
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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