Detroit students in kindergarten through 12th grade can ride DDOT buses for free through Ride to Rise — no fare, special pass or application required.
The program is designed to remove transportation barriers that can keep young Detroiters from getting to school and other opportunities. Students can use Ride to Rise to travel anywhere served by a standard DDOT route, whether they are heading to class, an after-school program, a job, sports practice or another destination.
Who is eligible?
Ride to Rise is available to students who:
- Attend a school in Detroit
- Are enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade
- Have a valid school-issued student ID
Students attending Detroit public, charter and private schools are eligible.
How to ride for free
Students can use Ride to Rise in three steps:
- Board any standard DDOT city bus.
- Show the bus operator a valid school-issued student ID.
- Take a seat and ride for free.
There is no application to complete, fare to pay or separate transit pass to obtain.
What kind of ID is required?
Students should show an ID issued by their school that includes their name, photo and school.
Students who do not have an ID or need a replacement should contact their school office. A regular State of Michigan identification card does not replace the required school-issued student ID.
When can students ride?
Students can ride for free whenever DDOT buses are operating, including mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. Free rides are not limited to school hours or the regular school year — students can also use the program during the summer.
Where can students go?
Ride to Rise can be used for more than the trip to and from school. Students can ride DDOT to reach:
- Tutoring and after-school programs
- Libraries and recreation centers
- Sports practices and games
- Arts and enrichment programs
- Jobs, internships and job training
- Community events
- Family and friends
- Other destinations served by DDOT
If the destination is served by a standard DDOT route, an eligible student can use Ride to Rise to get there.
Plan a trip
Students and families can use the free Transit app or visit the DDOT website to find routes, schedules and trip-planning information.
Why Detroit launched Ride to Rise
Transportation can affect whether a student arrives at school consistently and on time — and whether they can participate in opportunities outside the classroom.
Detroit Public Schools Community District estimates that approximately 14,000 high school students rely on city buses. Ride to Rise removes the need for students to secure money for each trip or repeatedly obtain a monthly bus pass.
The program has two central goals: reducing student absenteeism and connecting young Detroiters with more opportunities throughout the city.
Ride to Rise launched as a six-month initiative while the City works with schools, families and community partners to build a long-term system for free student transportation.
