Reduced and Zero Fare Programs
Ride for Less, Travel for More
STA offers discounted fares through five reduced- and zero-fare categories covering seniors, individuals with disabilities, youth 18 and under, students of any age (enrolled in apprenticeship, trade, or vocational training programs), active-duty military and veterans, and income-based individuals receiving government-assisted benefits.
Reduced Fare Eligibility Assessment
The Reduced and Zero Fare program eligibility form helps find the reduced or zero fare program that best fits your needs. It is not the official application for reduced or zero fare programs. All answers are anonymous and do not collect or save personal information, such as your name, contact information, or address.
Required Documentation
Reduced and Zero Fare applications must be submitted with the following documentation, unless otherwise noted:
Photo ID: State-issued driver’s license or ID, passport, military ID, or school district-issued ID (applicants ages 12 and under are not required to submit a photo ID)
Applicant Photo: A separate, portrait-style photo of the applicant for the Reduced Fare ID system – learn about photo requirements here
Additional Documentation: Each Reduced and Zero Fare program has specific documentation requirements outlined below
Reduced and Zero Fare Programs
Tap each Reduced or Zero Fare Program to expand the view of the additional documentation requirements specific to each program.
The Honored Rider Reduced Fare program provides a 50% fare discount to individuals 60 and older or to individuals with disabilities.
>>Tap here for the Honored Rider Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Honored Rider Reduced Fare application:
- ID showing you are 60 years of age or older
- A valid Medicare card
- Documentation of Social Security Disability Benefits or Supplemental Security Income Benefits due to disability. The most common documentation is an award letter showing one of the following categories:
- Disabled Individual (DI)
- Disabled Child (DC)
- Disabled Spouse (DS)
- A document showing current participation in a vocational career program through the Washington State Individual Educational Program (IEP)
- A Washington State Department of Licensing Individual with Disabilities Parking Privilege ID Card
- An Affidavit of Disability filled out by a Health Care Provider
- Please have the completed affidavit form ready to upload before starting an STA Reduced Fare application form.
Links to Downloadable Document(s)
The Rider’s License Zero Fare program provides free, unlimited rides to Connect card holders ages 18 years and under.
>>Tap here for the Rider’s License Zero Fare program online applications.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Rider’s License Zero Fare application:
- For youth 13 years of age and older, a photo ID is all that is needed to apply for a Rider’s License.
The Stars & Stripes Reduced Fare program provides a 50% fare discount to active-duty military personnel and veterans.
>>Tap here for the Stars & Stripes Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Stars & Stripes Reduced Fare application:
- Active-Duty Military ID card
- Veteran’s Affairs (VA) card:
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID (VIC) Card
- DD214 (Please ensure Social Security number is not showing)
- State ID or driver’s license with veteran’s designation
The Student Reduced Fare program provides a 20% fare discount toward fare-capping to individuals enrolled in educational or training programs, including trade/vocational training, apprenticeships, and any other post-high school or educational courses.
>>Tap here for the Student Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Student Reduced Fare application:
- A document that verifies post-high school enrollment in one of the following:
- Trade or vocational courses
- Apprenticeship programs
- Other training programs authorized by STA personnel
- Ensure dates of enrollment are valid and visible on the document
NOTE: If you are a registered student at Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Spokane Colleges, Washington State University-Spokane, or Whitworth University, you receive free fare through your institution. More information can be found here: spokanetransit.com/fares-passes/student-passes.
*NEW 2-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM* The Opportunity Reduce Fare pilot program provides a 50% fare discount to individuals who do not qualify for another reduced-fare program, but receive Basic Food benefits from the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS).
>>Tap here for the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Reduced Fare application:
- Please refer to the dedicated Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program webpage for a list of the documentation that fulfills the required income verification provided by the government-assistance program.
- Visit the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program webpage here.
Click each Reduced or Zero Fare Program tab to view the additional documentation requirements specific to each program.
The Honored Rider Reduced Fare program provides a 50% fare discount to individuals 60 and older or to individuals with disabilities.
>>Click here for the Honored Rider Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Honored Rider Reduced Fare application:
- ID showing you are 60 years of age or older
- A valid Medicare card
- Documentation of Social Security Disability Benefits or Supplemental Security Income Benefits due to disability. The most common documentation is an award letter showing one of the following categories:
- Disabled Individual (DI)
- Disabled Child (DC)
- Disabled Spouse (DS)
- A document showing current participation in a vocational career program through the Washington State Individual Educational Program (IEP)
- A Washington State Department of Licensing Individual with Disabilities Parking Privilege ID Card
- An Affidavit of Disability filled out by a Health Care Provider
- Please have the completed affidavit form ready to upload before starting an STA Reduced Fare application form.
Links to Downloadable Document(s)
The Rider’s License Zero Fare program provides free, unlimited rides to Connect card holders ages 18 years and under.
>>Click here for the Rider’s License Zero Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Rider’s License Zero Fare application:
- For youth 13 years of age and older, a photo ID is all that is needed to apply for a Rider’s License.
The Stars & Stripes Reduced Fare program provides a 50% fare discount to active-duty military personnel and veterans.
>>Click here for the Stars & Stripes Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Stars & Stripes Reduced Fare application:
- Active-Duty Military ID card
- Veteran’s Affairs (VA) card:
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID (VIC) Card
- DD214 (Please ensure Social Security number is not showing)
- State ID or driver’s license with veteran’s designation
The Student Reduced Fare program is designed for individuals enrolled in post-high school educational or training programs (e.g. apprenticeship, trade, or vocational training programs) and provides a 20% fare discount toward fare capping.
>>Click here for the Student Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Student Reduced Fare application:
- A document that verifies post-high school enrollment in one of the following:
- Trade or vocational courses
- Apprenticeship programs
- Other training programs authorized by STA personnel
- Ensure dates of enrollment are valid and visible on the document
NOTE: If you are a registered student at Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Spokane Colleges, Washington State University-Spokane, or Whitworth University, you receive free fare through your institution. More information can be found here: spokanetransit.com/fares-passes/student-passes.
*NEW 2-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM* The Opportunity Reduce Fare pilot program provides a 50% fare discount to individuals who do not qualify for another reduced-fare program, but receive Basic Food benefits from the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS).
>>Click here for the Opportunity Reduced Fare program online application.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the required documentation, one of the following must also be attached to the Reduced Fare application:
- Please refer to the dedicated Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program webpage for a list of the documentation that fulfills the required income verification provided by the government-assistance program.
- Visit the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program webpage here.
Choosing the right photo for an application
Except for Rider’s License applications, all other Reduced Fare applications completed on the website must include a portrait-style photo separate from the photo ID.
Guidelines for appropriate photos, similar to a passport photo, are as follows:
- Photo must have been taken within the past 6 months
- Photo size should be about 2″x 2″
- Head from the top to the bottom of the chin must be between 1″ and 1 3/8″
- Use a plain white or off-white background
- Have someone else take the photo (no selfies)
- No sunglasses – non-tinted prescription glasses, however, may be used in the photo
- No filters or other digital editing
How to Apply
Online
Complete the online Reduced Fare program application and upload the required documentation to prove eligibility.
If approved, a Reduced Fare Connect card will be mailed to you, or you can choose to pick it up at the Customer Service counter at STA Plaza.
Reduced Fare Program Application Icon Links
In Person
A paper version of the Reduced Fare program application form is available at the Customer Service counter at STA Plaza. Complete the application at STA Plaza or contact Customer Service to request one be sent to your preferred mailing address.
When submitting in person, bring all supporting documentation. Approved applicants will have a photo taken at STA Plaza and will be issued a Reduced Fare Connect card at that time.