Homeschool benefits: Council Bluffs and Omaha metropolitan
Metro gives K-12 students free bus, Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT), and MOBY paratransit rides during regular service hours. Iowa homeschool high school students can get a free Metro photo ID by bringing homeschool enrollment proof to the Metro office.
Who qualifies
Your child is in K-12
Students in Omaha and the surrounding area qualify, including visiting students.
Bring Iowa homeschool proof
High school students can use Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Form A, the Independent Private Instruction (IPI) Response to Written Request Report Form, or other homeschool enrollment proof.
Your student attends the ID visit
Your high school student must be present for the photo. Elementary and middle school students can tell the operator they are students.
MOBY requires separate approval
Your child must apply to become a registered MOBY client before using paratransit.
What the program gives you
Metro lists free student fares and IDs on its K-12 program page, with bicycle racks available first come, first served.
- Metro bus rides
- Free during regular service hours
- ORBT rides
- Free during regular service hours
- MOBY rides
- Free for registered MOBY students
- Metro K-12 photo ID
- Free with enrollment proof
- Bicycle on a bus rack
- Free; first come, first served
How to use the program
- Before the first ride
Plan your route
Use MyRide OMA to plan trips and track buses.
- Before a high school ride
Get a photo ID
If your student lacks a school-issued ID, visit Metro with your student and enrollment proof Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- When boarding
Show student status
High school students show a valid school-issued or Metro ID. Younger students identify themselves as students.
- For paratransit
Apply for MOBY
Complete MOBY client registration separately before using its rides.
What it includes
Included
- Metro bus rides
- ORBT rides
- MOBY paratransit rides
- Free student photo ID
Good to know
Elementary riders need no ID
Elementary and middle school riders need no card and can identify as students when boarding.
Who to contact
Metro customer service answers questions about student fares and homeschool enrollment proof.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Iowa
You do not have to file a homeschool notice for independent private instruction.
Iowa sets these rules:
- Subjects: IPI must cover mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies at all grade levels. CPI must provide at least 148 days of instruction annually, with attendance on at least 37 days each school quarter; its other rules depend on the option.
- Testing: No standardized testing required for independent option.
- Records: IPI must provide specified instructor, location, authority, and student information on written request; CPI reporting and record rules depend on the option.
- Teachers: Iowa does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Iowa homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Iowa
Questions parents ask
- Are free Metro rides limited to school trips?
- No. The program works whenever Metro service is running, including trips to work or recreation.
- Did the program end in 2022?
- No. The pilot was set to end June 1, 2022, but Metro extended it until further notice while pursuing additional funding.
- Does a student ID automatically qualify my child for MOBY?
- No. Free paratransit fares are available only after your student becomes a registered MOBY client.
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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