According to Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS), a statewide nonprofit that is part of the nation’s leading stay-in-school organization serving 100,000-plus students in high needs schools, chronic absenteeism is the single greatest barrier to learning. And lack of reliable transportation is often the reason why students are absent.

In 2021, the RTC and Clark County School District (CCSD) collaborated on a program to provide select high school students with an option to ride RTC transit to and from school free of charge. Utilizing residential routes and RTC OnDemand service, the Ride On program gives participating students safe and reliable alternatives to get to and from school, after-school activities, weekend events and more.

CIS Site Coordinator Adan Martinez and Las Vegas High School student and Ride On participant Esteban Morales Hernandez

According to Adan Martinez, who works full-time at Las Vegas High School as a CIS Site Coordinator where he identifies and fills the needs of vulnerable students, RTC transit passes are lifesavers for many students. “Ensuring students have easy access to transportation can mean the difference between going to school and staying home. Providing bus passes to students means they have one less obstacle in their path to staying in school and on track to graduate.”

Martinez cites one student, in particular, Esteban Morales Hernandez, who depends on an RTC bus to get to and from school every day. “Taking an RTC bus is the only way I know I can get there every day,” says Hernandez.

Eligible students for the RTC’s Ride On program must live more than two (2) miles from their zoned school. To enroll in the program, check with administrators at your high school. Reduced fare is also available for students who may not be eligible for the Ride On program. Student passengers are required to present their RTC-issued reduced fare I.D. card or current school student I.D. card when purchasing and using a reduced fare pass.