"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 January 1, 2026, the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card use is mandatory for free rides on Metrobuses. Metrobus operators enforce fare payment. All student riders should use the Youth Cruiser card for free rides. School IDs can still be used through December 31, 2025."