In partnership with Cherriots, the City of Salem, and the City of Keizer our community offers the Youth Zero Pass, which allows children 0-18 to ride Cherriots Local, Regional and Lift buses at no-cost to them.
Identification to Access the Youth Zero Pass
The Youth Zero Pass program is free for all youth ages 0-18. All youth in ages 14-18 (grades 8-12) will be required to scan a QR code card to board Cherriots buses. Cherriots passes (Available via App or physical cards) will be available to students starting July 20 for the 2026-27 school year at Cherriots Customer Service, 222 High St. NE in Salem.
By October 1, 2026, all students ages 14-18 will need a new FREE Youth Annual Pass for the 2026-2027 school year (students 13 and under do not need a pass to board the bus).
Here’s what you need to know
- Distribution: Passes will be distributed starting July 20 from Cherriots Customer Service: 220 High St. NE. (Have questions or need help? Contact Cherriots Customer Service at 503-588-2877)
- Implementation Date: The requirement to have a new pass for the 2026-27 school year will begin on October 1, 2026.
- Mobile App Users: If you are already using the Umo Mobile App, you will still need to go to Cherriots Customer Service to have the 2026-27 Youth Annual Pass applied to your account.
Benefits
Many youth within our community do not have access to a vehicle or driving privileges and therefore have limited mobility in the community. Walking, biking and driving with peers are suitable means of getting around, but now riding the bus will be an additional alternative. Increased youth ridership helps foster independence in the youth of our community and creates a generation of public transit users.
Tips for Riding Safely
Youth throughout the community might have years of experience riding school buses, but public transportation buses, such as Cherriots have a few key differences to be aware of…