KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ride KC will soon offer free and unlimited rides on public buses to high school students from the Kansas City, Center and Hickman Mills school districts.

The agencies will make an official announcement Tuesday at 3 p.m. during a pep rally-style press conference at the Manual Tech Center.

In a press release, Ride KC said the student pass will operate as a one-year pilot program.

The idea is to give students opportunities outside of school hours by providing them transportation to jobs, internships, tutoring, or extra-curricular activities.

“The KCATA is committed to breaking down barriers to learning and accessing jobs for our kids,” said Robbie Makinen, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority President and CEO. “Students will be able to attend school sporting events and get to jobs or tutoring without the expense of a car or relying on a parent for a ride.”

School leaders said students who are more involved in school-related activities do better in class.

“This unique program knocks down one of the barriers that has kept many scholars from participating because now they will have easier access to transportation to get to those school activities and educational opportunities,” Missouri State Senator Shalonn “KiKi” Curls said in a statement.

Last year, Ride KC began offering free rides to veterans. Makinen said that program has exceeded all expectations in terms of success.

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