There are some differences between the three FREE passes; details are below. Please note that DIAL-A-RIDE is NOT FREE for SENIORS or VETERANS. 

YOUTH PASSES

A Ben Franklin Transit FREE Youth Pass is a ticket to the Tri-Cities. With one in hand, youth ages (0-19th birthday) can ride the bus for free…whenever they want. Take a free ride and pull some tricks at the skatepark, have ice cream with friends, or go see that new movie. You can get to hundreds of destinations in our amazing area, with a Ben Franklin Transit FREE Youth Pass. 

How do I get a FREE Youth Pass?

• Passes are available at our Three Rivers Customer Service Center, BFT Pass Outlet locations, local libraries, and various other school and community organizations.

Who is eligible for a FREE Youth Pass?

• All youth (0-19th birthday) are eligible to receive a FREE Youth Pass.

Are FREE Youth Passes truly free of charge?

• Yes! Youth (0-19th Birthday) can ride all BFT services absolutely FREE.

Do FREE Youth Passes work on BFT CONNECT and Dial-A-Ride, too?

• Yes! Youth can ride BFT CONNECT at no charge! Click here to learn more about CONNECT, BFT’s on-demand, ride-share service.

• All Dial-A-Ride-eligible passengers (age 18 and younger) may also ride for FREE. To learn more about Dial-A-Ride eligibility, click here.

Do FREE Youth Passes expire?

• No! The BFT Board of Directors adopted the permanent Free Youth Pass program effective September 1, 2022.

My child has never ridden the bus before, but I’d like to learn more! How do I get started?

• It’s simple! Just download the free Transit app, or contact Customer Service for help planning your child’s trip.  If at any point your child needs assistance, they can always ask a bus driver for help! We’re here to make sure their trip goes smoothly. We also offer language translation services to help riders of all languages ride with ease and Travel Training for additional assistance. 

Can my child take their bike on the bus?

• YES! Every bus has a bike rack, and loading the bike is easy.  Click here to view user-friendly instructions in English and Espanol.

SENIOR PASSES

A Ben Franklin Transit FREE Senior Pass is a ticket to the Tri-Cities. With one in hand, anyone 65 and older can ride the bus for free whenever they want. Take a free ride and go to the theater, do your weekly grocery shopping, visit a park, or have coffee at your favorite place. You can get to hundreds of destinations in our amazing area with a Ben Franklin Transit FREE Senior Pass. 

How do I get a FREE SENIOR Pass?

• Passes are available for pickup at our Three Rivers Customer Service Center.
• FREE Senior Passes can ride BFT CONNECT at no charge, but Dial-A-Ride IS NOT FREE for Seniors. Click here to learn more about CONNECT, BFT’s on-demand, ride-share service.

VETERANS PASSES

Veterans now ride FREE on BFT! Pick up a FREE Veteran Pass today with proof of service. 

How do I get a FREE VETERAN Pass?

• VETERAN Passes are available for pickup at our Three Rivers Customer Service Center or at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center - 1020 S. 7th Ave., Ste A, Pasco.
• FREE Veteran Passes can ride BFT CONNECT at no charge, but Dial-A-Ride IS NOT FREE for Veterans. Click here to learn more about CONNECT, BFT’s on-demand ride-share service. Veterans will be issued a unique code to input into their Via App. This code will allow them to ride for free for life.