Independence for youth and parents.
Just like the rest of us, as kids get older, they need to get around. OCTA provides new riders with an alternative to waiting around and asking for a ride. The OCTA bus is one of the safest ways to travel in Orange County, for residents of all ages. It’s a great way to build independence, providing a safe way for kids to get themselves to the movies, the mall, the beach, or even school.
Makes money sense too.
The bus is also priced right for kids. OCTA offers youth a discounted 30-day pass for only $33.00 a month for unlimited use on all fixed route buses. And, during the summer months, OCTA has the Summer Youth Bus Pass program, which is a specially priced 3-month bus pass for a low $50.00 for the entire summer.
Just ask Kids and Teens
As part of our youth outreach program, we conducted focus group research throughout Orange County with kids and teens ages 11 to 17. The research was compelling:
- Kids felt that riding the bus gave them freedom or independence.
- The kids most likely to ride the bus were those whose parents felt that riding the bus was both advantageous and safe.
- Once kids rode the bus, they thought the process was easy.
- Most kids ride the bus for leisure-time activities.
- Most kids felt that it was safe to ride the bus when they travel with a friend or group.
OCTA feels that if we can teach kids how to ride the bus and encourage them to ride with a friend or group, they would have a greater sense of independence at this critical stage of their development. Navigating around the community by bus also builds a sense of confidence young people can use for rest of their lives.
Bus Riding 101
If you’ve never ridden the bus, you might be a little nervous about figuring out how to get where you’re going. Don’t worry – it isn’t rocket science. If you can read, use a computer or dial a phone you can plan a bus trip.
To get started, visit our online trip planner. Got a question about riding the bus, bus fares or passes? Visit our Riding Basics or Fares & Passes sections, or contact us directly and we'll get an answer for you!
We’ll even come to you.
That’s right. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) offers a free program for Kids and Teens on "How to Ride the Bus" for both schools and youth organizations. It's called youthNmotion and it's designed for youth from ages 11 to 16.
With the youthNmotion outreach program, a professional team from OCTA will come to your location, at a time you select, to teach kids and teens how to ride the bus. Our presentation is lively and informative, and at the end, everyone gets two free one-day bus passes so they can try the bus first-hand with a friend or parent. It’s making a difference. Check out some of our youth responses in the box to the right labeled, "Thank you cards from our youth."
To learn more or schedule your appointment, email as at youthride@octa.net or call Judy Leon at 714.560.5358.