We have a limited supply of Kids Ride Free (KRF) cards for the 2025-26 school year and expect to receive enough for all students in the coming weeks. Please use the form below to request a card!
All DC public school students – attending both DCPS and DC Public Charter Schools – are provided a Kids Ride Free Card in the first few weeks of school to use all school year.
Please see information below, including information provided by the District Department of Transportation:
- KRF cards are always free to eligible students (i.e., first card and any replacement cards).
- KRF card is primarily for travel to and from school and school-related activities.
- Students must tap the KRF card on the faregate or farebox target every time they travel.
- Flashing the card to Metro or DC Circulator staff is never permitted.
- While students may add their KRF cards to their mobile wallet and use that system for entering/exiting Metro, they should also carry their physical card with them at all times. There have been reports of students being detained for using the mobile wallet, which shows a $0 balance (because Kids Ride FREE). We urge students to have the physical card at all times to show authorities.
- If a student forgets or loses their KRF card, they MUST pay the regular fare to ride Metrorail, Metrobus or DC Circulator until they find their card or obtain a replacement card.
- The 2025-26 card is valid through September 30, 2026. 2024-25 cards will remain valid through September 30, 2025. Please note that student cards are automatically cancelled when a new card is assigned.
- Washington Latin has received a limited supply of cards so far. We ask that requests for Cooper students to receive a KRF complete the form linked below. We will provide cards as soon as possible, but please keep in mind that we do not have enough for all students yet!