Recently, the city of Tempe began issuing new transit passes to current and new participants of the Tempe Youth FREE Transit Pass program. The new youth transit passes are valid July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.
2011-2012 passes can be obtained at the Tempe Transportation Center located at 200 E 5th Street which is adjacent to the light rail station at Veterans Way / College Avenue ( Sun Devil Station, just East of Mill ). There will also be special on-site registrations at the Tempe Public Library located at 3500 S. Rural Road on May 21, 2011 AND Aug. 20, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The youth pass is good for Tempe residents between the ages of 6-18. All children ages 5 and under ride for free, no pass is necessary. Other discounted fares are available, see the METRO fare page for complete details.
This program is a GREAT way to introduce kids to public transportation.
From the City of Tempe Transportation page we get the following information:
What is the Tempe Youth Transit Pass Program?
The Tempe Youth Transit Pass Program allows all eligible Tempe youth ages 6 to 18 to ride regional and local Valley Metro bus routes and the METRO light rail for free.
What is required to get the pass if I am under the age of 18?
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A parent or guardian must accompany the youth when registering for the program
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Your most recent utility bill with a Tempe address (i.e., water, cable, electric, phone)
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Youth’s birth certificate
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A valid driver’s license/photo ID of parent/guardian
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If you are the step parent or legal guardian you must also bring a copy of your marriage license or state guardianship papers. Notarized guardianship papers are not acceptable proof of guardianship.
What is required to get the pass if I am age 18?
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A valid driver’s license, ID pass or US passport
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Your most recent utility bill with a Tempe address (i.e., water, cable, electric, phone)
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An 18 year old who lives at home with a parent or guardian may use the parent or guardians utility bill as proof of address if they bring a birth certificate and the parent or guardian with them to get the pass. This provides proof that the name listed on the utility bill is the parent or guardian.
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Passes are deactivated when the youth turns age 19.
Where do I go to get my free transit pass?
You can get the pass at the Tempe Transit Store located at 200 E. Fifth Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free one hour public parking is located at 117 E. Fifth St. across from the Transportation Center.
How do I use my pass when boarding a bus or using light rail?
Bus: Upon boarding the bus, tap the pass to reader. Do not deposit into farebox. Light Rail: Validate the pass by hovering your pass over the station reader on the light rail platform before boarding.
What happens if I lose my pass?
You can get a new pass (up to three in one year) by paying a $5 replacement fee. To get a replacement pass, visit the Tempe Transit Store located at 200 E. Fifth Street.
Is the Youth transit pass only good for taking trips to school?
No. You can use your transit pass to travel for any purpose to any destination on any Valley Metro bus route or on the METRO light rail. Use your transit pass on weekends, holidays, and even during school breaks.
As a reminder, discounted passes are also available to ASU students in the form of the ASU U-Pass which is a discounted pass for riding the bus and light rail. If you are a student, don’t forget to take advantage of the U-Pass.
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