High School Access Transit ProgramFree Summer Pass

This program provides free transit passes to qualified high school students during the summer months.

How it Works

We’re taking advantage of a funding opportunity to give free transit passes to students who rely on transit during the summer months. The passes are valid for unlimited rides on buses, MAX, WES and Portland Streetcar. Qualifying students can pick up a pass from their high school main office beginning in mid-May. Passes are valid from June 1 through August 31, 2023.

Portland Public Schools student ID Hop pass will not work after June 15, 2023.

Transit-dependent students at Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College and Clackamas Community College can also get free adult summer passes at those college sites beginning in June.

Where to get your summer pass

Students, contact your school’s main office to get a pass. You’ll get a paper Hop ticket that’s good for unlimited rides on buses, MAX, WES and Portland Streetcar.

You can also pick up a pass at the TriMet Operations Center, 4012 SE 17th Ave, Portland, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

We can also put one in the mail to you. Please email coneyj@trimet.org and include your name and mailing address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a student get a free summer transit pass?

Passes will be available at every high school site in TriMet’s service area. You can review this map of the metro area to see the high schools participating in this program.

How long are the passes valid?

Passes are valid from June 1 through August 31, 2023. They can be used on buses, MAX, WES and Portland Streetcar.

Who is eligible for the summer pass?

The pass is for high school age students who are transit-dependent and face barriers in accessing public transportation to get to school, work, activities, social or other community services, or other destinations during the summer.

What if a student is 18 or 19 years old and has recently graduated?

The student would still qualify to participate in the program through the summer if they meet the program criteria. Program participants should carry their student ID card as proof of eligibility.

Are all eligible students guaranteed a pass?

No. The Summer Pass Program has a limited quantity of 30,000 passes that have been divided across the tri-county service district. Students who don’t plan to use transit over the summer should not pick up a pass.

What is the time period for passes being distributed?

Passes will arrive at all high school sites in May 2023. School districts will then inform their school communities about the availability of passes. Students can pick up passes until the last day of school, although many high schools with summer programming will still have passes available during the summer months.

What happens if a student loses their pass?

The summer passes are not registered under students’ names, so they can pick up a replacement pass, if passes are still available, at any high school site. They don’t need to go to their own high school for a replacement pass.

Is this program open to students pursuing GEDs?

Yes. Students pursuing a GED, regardless of age, qualify for this program. Please note, any student participating in the Summer Pass Program may be required to show their student ID card when using the transit pass.