For the 2025–2026 school year, Omaha Public Schools has provided every middle and high school student with a free Metro bus pass, in partnership with the Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha (Metro). In total, OPS distributed over 27,000 passes, costing the district roughly $170,000.
The passes, valid from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026, allow students to ride Metro buses anywhere in Omaha at no cost. This includes students who may not qualify for the traditional yellow school bus service due to distance or district eligibility rules.
While OPS has not released specific data on how many students regularly use their passes, many believe the program could make a lasting impact on both student transportation and the city’s public transit system.
“This could be a program for many reasons,” said Kristen Hughes, a staff member at Benson High School. “Part of me wonders if it’s to increase future Metro ridership by introducing it early.”
The Metro partnership began in 2021 through the K–12 Ride Free Program, originally a pilot initiative that ran from May 2021 through June 2022. Since then, OPS has expanded the program annually, making free Metro access a districtwide benefit.
Hughes said the program provides valuable independence for students and eases transportation costs for families.
“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “It allows students to go to many places without having to spend a fortune on Uber or Lyft. Those rideshare services are expensive and sometimes take advantage of people who don’t have a car.”
At Benson, Hughes said she regularly sees groups of students getting on and off buses near the school before and after class. However, she believes there’s room for improvement.
“I wish Metro would line up some of the bus times more closely with school dismissals,” Hughes said. “Right now, some students have to wait up to 45 minutes for the next bus, especially at the 52nd Street stop (Southwest of Benson).”
Benson has also been one of the few OPS high schools to see an increase in attendance this year. Hughes credits part of that improvement to the accessibility of Metro service right outside the school’s doors.
“We’re lucky,” she said. “We have two bus stops nearby. Some schools like Bryan or Westview don’t have that option because the city buses don’t reach that far.”
Still, Hughes doesn’t believe Metro buses will ever fully replace the yellow school buses.
“I don’t think it’ll be a long-term replacement,” she said. “Parents probably wouldn’t be comfortable with elementary or middle school students having that much freedom. But for high school students, it could be a long-term solution.”
Hughes added that she hopes the district continues and improves the program as long as students use it responsibly and safely.
“I would like to say Metro is safe enough for students, but I don’t ride often myself,” Hughes said.
At Benson, many students rely on their Metro passes not only to get to school but also to travel to jobs, practices and other commitments throughout the city.
“I really enjoy this program,” Shaw said. “It allows me to get to and from school as well as go to the mall and downtown.”
Student Ashawn Shaw utilizes the Metro bus system daily for all sorts of uses.
“I think this program should stay,” Shaw said. “More students should take advantage of it.”
Although this program has been in place for years, many students may still be unaware that every OPS middle and high school student is eligible for a free Metro pass.
As OPS continues its partnership with Metro, many hope the program will expand and improve in the coming years. For students like Ashawn, the passes represent more than free transportation; it’s a step towards independence and access to the Metro area.
