Free Rides for All Youth 18 and Under
Good news! Youth Ride Free on Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), Ventura County's largest public transit agency serving the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, and the County areas in between the cities.
The Youth Ride Free program will be honored on all transit operators in Ventura County. Participating operators include Camarillo Area Transit, Gold Coast Transit District, Kanan Shuttle, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Valley Express, VCTC Intercity Transit Service.
The program covers free rides to youth 18 years old and under, or older youth currently enrolled in high school. ID's will not be required, but older students should be prepared to show an ID to verify eligibility. GCTD provides free YOUTH ID's upon request for free.
For trip planning, GCTD offers a variety of tools. Our bilingual Customer Service Center team is available to help plan your student's trip and answer your questions. Online tools are available by visiting utilizing GCTD's Trip Planner on the homepage and entering your origin and destination information, or utilizing one of several planning apps including, GOVCBus app, Ventura County's official transit app.
Reminder, passengers are required to follow the rules and adhere to our Passenger Conduct Policy. Violations may result in removal from the bus and suspension of riding privileges.
Helpful Links
Some helpful links to get your started:
Contact Us:
The Customer Service Center is open Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm. Se habla español.
805-487-4222
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Youth Ride Free Promotional Program?
Anyone age 18 or younger or enrolled high school students who are older.
When does the program start and how long does it last?
The Youth Ride Free Program is a promotional program that will last through the 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.
Can I use any bus in Ventura County?
Participating transit operators include Gold Coast Transit District, Camarillo Area Transit, Kanan Shuttle, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Valley Express, VCTC Intercity Transit Service.
How will the driver know to let me on the bus for free?
Drivers will let anyone who looks 18 or younger board the bus for free but high school aged students should be prepared to show ID. GCTD provides YOUTH ID for free upon request. Contact the Customer Service Center.
Do I have to be going to/from school?
No, you do not. You can travel anywhere, for any reason on any bus operator in the county.
If I attend school in Ventura County, can I still ride free if I don’t live in the county?
Yes, you may ride free.
I live in Ventura County but attend a school outside the county; can I still ride the bus for free?
Yes, you may ride free.
Is this a school bus service?
No. Buses will only take students to predetermined fixed-route bus stops. Students can ride the bus to the stop nearest their school then walk or use alternate transportation.
What about College Students?
College students ride free too! Under a separate pilot program, students can ride free on all public transit buses in Ventura County for free. A valid, current school ID is required upon boarding. Eligible schools include Oxnard/Ventura/Moorpark Community Colleges, Cal State Channel Islands, CAL Lutheran, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and Ventura County Adult Education Consortium. Learn more here.