by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Starting June 1, children ages 17 and younger will be able to ride Metro buses free, seven days a week, all summer long until Aug. 31.
The passes can be picked up by parents or guardians at the Metro Bus Transit station in downtown St. Cloud. The free passes are available for children who live in the Metro Bus cities of Sartell, St. Cloud, Waite Park and Sauk Rapids.
The free pass is called the “Metro Bus U-Go Free Summer Youth Pass.”
In addition to free bus rides, there is also a “How to Ride the Bus” class that will be offered twice in early June for children to learn the ins and outs of bus-riding. The class will teach such things as how to read a map and route schedule, how to plan trips around town and bus safety. Parents and children can choose one of two classes to attend. The classes will take place at the St. Cloud Public Library from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, June 6 and from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. Parents and guardians can also attend the classes if they like, but their attendance is not required.
Registration for the classes is mandatory. Registration forms were distributed in schools in early May, and parents can register online via email at info@stcloudmtc.com. Registration can also be done via telephone at 529-4497. The registration deadline for the classes is May 31.