The City of St. Joseph has announced it plans to give kids a reduced rate on bus passes this summer with the introduction of a new St. Joseph Transit program.

“Something to try to get the youth more interested in what public transportation is all about and what it can do for kids,” said Mary Robertson, City of St. Joseph Communications & Public Relations Manager.

The “My Summer Ride”program will give kids age 6 to 18 unlimited rides on St. Joseph Transit from May 15 to Aug. 15.  The passes cost $30 each and include other discounts and freebies from the city.  Among those are a free ticket to a St Joe Mustangs home game, one free open gym pass to the REC center, one free pass to public skate at Bode Ice Arena, and one free youth admission to the Remington Nature Center.

“They can utilize it to really give them something to do over the summer that they may not be able to do if their parents are at work,” Robertson said.

The passes start for children at age six, however Robertson said the city obviously does not want 6-year-olds riding the bus alone.

“The concept is for the kids to go with their older siblings or a babysitter or an adult guardian,” Robertson said. “We do not want to encourage a 6-year-old on the bus by themselves.”

She said it’s a way for older siblings to take their younger brother or sister to the Aquatic Park or the Nature Center over the summer and learn about transportation.

The passes are sold at St. Joseph Transit at 702 S. 5th St, City Hall Rm 107 and the St. Joseph HyVee Service Desk.

Kids will have to provide proof of age to use the passes.