SPOKANE, Wash.-- The Summer Youth Card pilot program has been a huge hit since launching June 13, with the 4,000 initial cards nearly going out of stock.
The city ordered an additional 2,000 cards to meet demand. They should be available by the end of this week. The city will announce when they are available again.
Cards can be picked up at any of the six Spokane Public Library locations. Most cards have been checked out from the downtown, Shadle and Hillyard branches.
Students have used the cards to ride more than 13,000 times. The city says ridership is highest during the week days.
“We are thrilled this pilot is doing exactly what we set out to do, in alignment with our joint Administration-Council Strategic Plan, One Spokane. It’s reducing the transportation barrier for youth, and connecting them with libraries, parks, recreation, and community programming,” said Mayor Condon. “I’m grateful for our partners that came together to make this happen. I can’t wait to hear stories from Summer Youth Card holders about how this card made their summer.”
The Summer Youth Card provides free, unlimited STA bus rides to any K-12 student who lives in the City of Spokane, and free skate rental at the Numerica Skate Ribbon this summer.
The goal of the pilot program is to allow more students to access great free programs available around the City, including free swimming at the City’s six pools, summer reading programs at the libraries, skating at the Numerica Skate Ribbon in Riverfront Park or at City skate parks, programming at community centers, and more.
The pilot program is a partnership with the City of Spokane, Spokane Transit Authority (STA), Spokane Public Schools, Spokane Parks & Recreation, and the Spokane Public Library. The cards are valid until September 15.
