Homeschool benefits and savings in Rapid City and Pennington County
Youth Ride Free lets Rapid City's school-aged children ride all six RapidRide bus routes at no charge, instead of the $1.50 adult cash fare. Rapid Transit System accepts any government-issued ID as proof, so a homeschooled teen can ride without a school ID, and no pass is needed.
Who qualifies
Is 18 or younger
RapidRide's fare table lists youth 18 and under as free, and the program serves Rapid City's school-aged youth.
Carries an ID as a teen
High school age riders are strongly encouraged to carry a current school ID or any government-issued ID to prove eligibility. A clear photo of the ID on a phone is accepted.
Rides with an adult if 5 or under
A mature rider must accompany any child aged five and under.
Registers for safety
Registration is not required but strongly encouraged. Infants, toddlers, and preschool children do not need to register.
What the fare saves
Rapid Transit System's RapidRide fare table lists what riders pay and shows youth 18 and under as free.
- Youth 18 and under
- Free
- Adult cash fare, ages 19-59
- $1.50
- 10 adult coupons
- $13.50
- Adult monthly pass
- $30.00
- Transfers between routes
- Free
Youth Ride Free does not cover the Terra Sancta and Corral Drive school tripper routes, and the page does not say whether it applies to Dial-A-Ride, so ask dispatch before booking a paratransit trip.
How to ride free
- Before the first ride
Register your child
Fill out the online form, call dispatch at 605-394-6631 ext. 0, or mail the printed form to Rapid Transit System, ATTN: YRFP, 333 6th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.
- Any service day
Board any RapidRide route
Buses run Monday through Friday, 6:20 a.m. to 5:50 p.m., and Saturday, 9:50 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., on 35-minute frequencies.
- Each ride
Show ID if asked
Teens should carry a school or government-issued ID, or a clear photo of one, to prove they qualify.
- Optional
Book travel training
Rapid Transit System offers free travel training on request for riders learning the system.
What it includes
Included
- Rides on all six RapidRide fixed routes
- Transfers at the downtown transfer center
- Trips to libraries, recreation, and activities
- Free travel training on request
Not included
- Sunday and holiday service
Good to know
Youth Ride Free covers more than school trips
The program is meant to give youth access to libraries, recreation, and social events as well as school, on any regular RapidRide trip.
Who to contact about Youth Ride Free
Dispatch takes Youth Ride Free registrations, answers rider questions, and schedules travel training, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
605-394-6631 Youth Ride Free registration
Homeschool rules and statewide help in South Dakota
You must file an alternative-instruction notification with the Department of Education or local district within 30 days of starting. Update it within 30 days of moving or returning to public or private school; no annual renewal is required.
South Dakota sets these rules:
- Subjects: Provide instruction in language arts and mathematics and ensure the child masters English.
- Testing: No routine annual homeschool standardized test or score submission is required. Public-school reentry may involve testing.
- Records: South Dakota does not require homeschool records.
- Teachers: No state teaching certificate is required. No alternative instructor may instruct more than 22 children.
Read the South Dakota homeschooling guide See statewide programs in South Dakota
Questions parents ask
- Can my young child ride RapidRide alone?
- No.
- Is the program still running?
- Yes. As of October 12, 2026, Rapid Transit System says Youth Ride Free is in its eighth consecutive year and lists youth 18 and under as free on its fare table.
- Does my child need to register?
- No, but Rapid Transit System strongly encourages it for safety. Register online, by calling dispatch at 605-394-6631 ext. 0, or by mail. Infants, toddlers, and preschool children do not need to register.
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.
Find benefits for your ZIP code