Children could soon ride Sioux Area Metro for free

Trevor J. Mitchell, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·2 min read
Riders board a city bus on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the downtown bus depot in Sioux Falls.
Riders board a city bus on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the downtown bus depot in Sioux Falls.

The Sioux Falls City Council will take a first vote Tuesday night on whether to make Sioux Area Metro buses free for children and eligible students.

The ordinance, sponsored by Mayor Paul TenHaken, would make it free to use Sioux Area Metro for children ages 10 years or younger, and free for children between the ages of 11-18 with a school ID or a "SAM Freedom Pass," which the ordinance says "can be issued in lieu of a school ID when a record of enrollment from an accredited high school or verification of age 18 or under is provided."

Trips for all paratransit riders with a school ID or Freedom Pass would also be free.

More: Sioux Area Metro reduces Saturday service as driver shortage continues

The proposal has been in discussions since earlier this year, when it was presented to the city's Public Transit Advisory Board.

“The Kids Ride Free initiative is part of our efforts in designing public transit with the next generation in mind,” TenHaken said in a statement. “Free year-round ridership for kids is a significant step in removing barriers for many families in making public transit part of their daily routine. We will also be rolling out community messaging around accessing and safely using public transit to help kids and families feel comfortable using the transit system.”

Asked about revenue loss from the plan at a recent PTAB meeting, Senior Planner Sam Trebilcock said it would likely be below 10%, with paratransit services representing most of those costs.

Under the current fee structure, children age 5 and younger ride for free, while children ages 6-10 with a school ID or Freedom Pass ride for $0.75. Riders ages 11 and up pay $1.50, while all paratransit rides are $2.50.

More: Sioux Area Metro operations analysis could result in smaller buses, expanded on-demand program

TenHaken has pushed for innovation and changes in the city's transit system, announcing an operations analysis earlier this year following a pilot program that provides on-demand bus rides.

However, SAM has faced continued staffing shortages since 2020, with the most recent driver count sitting at 30, well below the 38 drivers considered full staffing — even as the end of inclement weather would traditionally mean an increase in hiring.

The driver shortage has necessitated numerous service reductions over the past two years, most recently to SAM's Saturday routes.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls city council will vote on making bus rides free for kids