Free Fairfax Connector For Additional Kids Approved By Supervisors

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — More children will be able to ride the Fairfax Connector bus for free in Fairfax County after an approval by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

Starting May 1, children 12 and under can ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult. With the new policy and others, Fairfax Connector is free for all youth in Fairfax County.

"Not only is it for people who need it, in this case, free fare for children, but we're also building a population and educating a population on how to use mass transit as an investment in the future, and we've certainly seen that with the student bus pass program," said Chairman Jeff McKay at Tuesday's meeting.

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, the board's transportation committee chair, called the policy a step forward.

" I think as we move forward with identifying populations that really should get free fare, I think we should do that," said Alcorn. "This is one of a number of initiatives we're doing in terms of our bus fare strategy."

Before the change, free fares have been available for children under 5 with a paying adult. Students aged 12 to 18 at Fairfax County middle and high schools can also receive a Free Student Bus Pass through their school guidance counselors, and a free Metrobus program is available to students at select high schools.

There is also a half-fare discount for seniors and people with disabilities and free transfers for any rider from Metro's bus or rail. In addition, Fairfax County is planning a Transit Ridership Incentive Program offering half fares for economically disadvantaged residents through a state grant.

McKay said in his newsletter that county staff will conduct a service equity analysis on the new free fare policy for children.