Here’s some genuinely good news for San Antonio families: every student ages 12 to 18 can get a FREE annual VIA bus pass — good for rides all the way through July 2027. Whether your child rides to school, a job, or an internship, this pass makes it free.
Who Qualifies?
The rules are refreshingly simple:
- Ages 12–18 — all students in this age range are eligible.
- Any school type — public, charter, or private school students all qualify.
- 12-year-olds need a parent or guardian to apply — a parent or guardian must submit the application for a 12-year-old.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free — funded by a $150,000 investment from City Council District 7 (Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito). |
| Valid through | July 2027 |
| Who’s eligible | All San Antonio students ages 12–18 (public, charter, or private school) |
| Why it exists | To fight chronic absenteeism and help students get to jobs and internships |
| Questions | Council District 7 office: (210) 207-0870 |
3 Steps to Get the Free Pass
Step 1: Register through VIA’s student pass program
Sign your student up through VIA’s student pass program — that’s the official channel for these free annual passes.
Step 2: Parents apply for 12-year-olds
If your child is 12, a parent or guardian needs to complete the application on their behalf. Older students can apply themselves.
Step 3: Receive your pass and ride
Once registered, follow VIA’s instructions to receive and activate the pass. Then your student rides VIA buses free through July 2027 — to school, to work, to internships, wherever the bus goes.
Why This Matters
Transportation is one of the biggest hidden barriers to school attendance. This program — backed by a $150,000 investment from City Council District 7 — is specifically designed to fight chronic absenteeism and open doors to after-school jobs and internships that students otherwise couldn’t reach. For more ways to get around town at no cost, see our free transportation assistance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child qualify?
If your child is 12 to 18 years old and attends school in San Antonio — public, charter, or private — yes. Twelve-year-olds need a parent or guardian to submit the application.
Where do we pick it up?
Register through VIA’s student pass program and follow VIA’s instructions for receiving the pass. If you’re unsure about the next step after registering, call Council District 7’s office at (210) 207-0870 for guidance.
What if we lose it?
Contact VIA as soon as possible to report the lost pass and ask about a replacement. Keep any registration confirmation or account details handy — they’ll make the replacement process much faster.
Need Help Signing Up? Apply for Me — It’s Free
Registration forms, eligibility questions, follow-up calls — our free Apply for Me service helps your family get through the process without the headache.
