Youth Mobility Fund Helping Kalamazoo’s youth get where they need to go in our City so that they can get where they need to go in life. Starting this fall, Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) high non-transferable. If lost or stolen, only one replacement school students won’t need to worry about transportation! will be available per student per year at a cost of $5. No The City of Kalamazoo has partnered with Metro, personal information is contained in the card’s technology. Kalamazoo Public Schools and Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) Metro wants all riders to feel safe The Youth Mobility Fund will ensure that to start a new initiative called the and comfortable while using public transportation is available for youth to Youth Mobility Fund. The initiative transportation, so all riders are explore afterschool programs, education eliminates fares on the public required to follow its common and employment opportunities, and transportation system for KPS sense rules of conduct (available at ultimately utilize their Kalamazoo Promise students in grades 9 – 12, making www.kmetro.com). Please note Scholarship. The empowerment that it easier for students to access that all Metro buses are equipped comes with being able to travel throughout educational, employment, social, with video recording devices for the community is invaluable towards a and cultural opportunities. security. student’s feeling of belonging and inclusion. Passes are issued with KPS student IDs, which also serve as Kalamazoo Public Library cards, continuing the “OneCard” program that was started by KPL and KPS in 2018.
This collaboration is a direct result of the City’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all of its residents.
How does it work? To ride for free, the eligible student simply taps their pass on the farebox and shows the picture on their ID to the driver for verification. It’s that simple. The Youth Mobility Fund also provides Metro Connect services to certified riders. ID cards will be valid for one year from the date issued by the schools, including summer break, and are
What other resources are available?
In addition to Google Maps, the myStop mobile app can help students find bus schedules and track bus times. The “Out of School Time” youth program finder at www.kydnet.org can help connect students with personal growth opportunities. For more information, contact Metro at (269) 337-8222 or visit www.kmetro.com.
- Von Washington, Jr., Kalamazoo Promise
All Metro fixed route buses can carry up to two bikes on their rack. If the racks are full, riders with bikes will need to wait for the next bus.
Why now?
Phoenix High School student shows his ID after scanning Youth Mobility Pass to ride Metro.
There is universal agreement among educators and youth development professionals in Kalamazoo that transportation is a major barrier to educational, career, family and cultural development of high school students. The Foundation for Excellence is, for the first time, making it possible to address many transportation costs. Furthermore, transportation has been identified as a significant thread running through the Imagine Kalamazoo Master Plan. Removing barriers and creating new mobility for youth supports the goals of Youth Development, Economic Vitality, Shared Prosperity, Connected City, Inviting Public Places, and Environmental Responsibility.
