Rapid Transit Ridership Rises 3% in October

Youth Ride Free program trips climbed 12% over the same month last year, according to the transit system's October figures.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Youth

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single rounded city bus centered against a pale prairie sky with low rooftops, in coral, teal, and mustard. — Rapid Transit System recorded 27,307 passenger trips in October, up 3%, as its Youth Ride Free program logged more than 8,500 student rides. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Rapid Transit System recorded 27,307 passenger trips in October 2026, up 3% from October 2025. The Youth Ride Free program logged more than 8,500 student trips during the month.

Why it matters

Youth ridership has more than doubled since October 2021, when the program recorded 4,177 trips, suggesting students are increasingly relying on local buses for getting to school and activities. Residents are turning to public transportation as a reliable way to get to school, work and community activities in Rapid City.

Rapid Transit System's October 2026 total of 27,307 trips compares with 17,432 trips in October 2021. Youth trips reached more than 8,500, up 12% from 7,661 a year earlier, though the figures do not explain what drove the change.

The players

Rapid Transit System

The public transit provider serving Rapid City, South Dakota since 1992, operating bus routes and the Youth Ride Free program.

The details

Rapid Transit System has provided public transportation in Rapid City since 1992. The Youth Ride Free program allows student passengers to ride at no cost, and the system recorded more than 8,500 student trips in October 2026.

October 2021: baseline month with 17,432 total trips and 4,177 youth trips.
October 2025: comparison month with 7,661 youth trips recorded.
October 2026: 27,307 total trips and more than 8,500 youth trips recorded.

Youth Ridership Trend

Youth trips in October 2026 have more than doubled from the 4,177 recorded in October 2021, continuing a multi-year climb measured against that baseline. This places the Youth Ride Free program's growth in a sustained pattern rather than a one-year spike.

Students in Rapid City can ride Rapid Transit buses at no cost through the Youth Ride Free program. Route information and schedules are available at rapidtransitsystem.org or by calling 605-394-6631.

The takeaway

Families planning school or work commutes in Rapid City can check current routes and the Youth Ride Free rules before relying on the bus. Confirming schedules ahead of time helps avoid missed trips.