Council extends Santa Rosa CityBus unlimited rides for youth program through 2030, subject to funding

The Santa Rosa City Council voted unanimously to extend the CityBus unlimited rides for youth program for transitional kindergarten through 12th grade through June 30, 2030, contingent on ongoing funding. Transit staff said the program, launched in July 2021 as a COVID recovery measure, restored youth ridership quickly and has grown to an estimated 450,000 youth rides in the current fiscal year.

Staff reported program goals included increased ridership, reduced household transportation expenses and improved access for low‑income families. The city’s transit presentation noted survey results indicating reduced household vehicle trips and broader use of transit for work, after‑school activities and social trips. Transit staff also highlighted partnerships with schools and youth programs that use the fare‑free policy for field trips and programming.

To fund the extension, staff proposed using an identified increment of Go Sonoma sales tax funds (city share estimated at about $220,000 per year beginning FY 2026) and approximately $300,000 per year from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). Staff noted LCTOP is available through February 2030 under current law and that reauthorization is underway.

Councilmembers asked about rider behavior and operator workloads. Staff said operators have tools and training to de‑escalate incidents and that buses have onboard cameras; most behavioral incidents were being managed through school‑level follow‑up or, in isolated cases, system suspensions. Several councilmembers and speakers praised drivers for their work with youth and commuters.

The council adopted a resolution extending the fee‑free youth program through fiscal 2030, subject to continued availability of Go Sonoma and LCTOP funds and staff returning with any budgetary changes that affect program continuation.