Montgomery County youth ages 5-18 (older if still in high school) ride FREE on most metro bus routes within Montgomery County. These cards are available for free at all County libraries, all MCPS middle and high schools, some private schools, the TRiPS store, the Mobile Commuter Store and the Treasury Division office. Bring proof of the child's age and residency. Some schools also offer these cards. Check with your school. Schools only issue these cards to their students.

Effective February 1, 2026, youth cruisers MUST have the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card and TAP the farebox for free rides on Metrobuses within the County. No fare deduction occurs if passengers have value on their SmarTrip cards. The County reimburses WMATA for the rides, therefore an accurate count is required by tapping the farebox. No Student IDs or flashing the cards will be accepted; boarding will be denied. Metrobus operators enforce fare payment.