Taken with Transportation Podcast: Muni Kids

For many young people, riding Muni is part of growing up in San Francisco. And they can use the system without paying a fare.  

Five years ago, we expanded our Free Muni for Youth program to include all young people. No matter where they live, no matter what their family’s income, anyone 18 years old and younger can ride our buses, streetcars and metro trains for free.

In “Muni Kids,” the latest episode of our Taken with Transportation podcast, we discuss the origins of Free Muni for Youth and the program’s evolution.  

The beginning

“Free Muni for Youth … was implemented in March 2013,” SFMTA Revenue, Development and Reporting Director Diana Hammons says in the episode. “It [initially] was limited to San Francisco youth residents that were low or moderate income.”

We made several adjustments to Free Muni for Youth before opening it up to all young people in 2021. City Supervisor Myrna Melgar has long been an advocate for the program. And she appears in “Muni Kids.”

“We’re training all youth, regardless of income, to be Muni riders,” Melgar says. “So, all these folks will be the riders of tomorrow … and paying for it.” 

Zuleyma Sarceno has been riding Muni since she was in elementary school. In “Muni Kids,” she discusses her experiences on transit and what she appreciates about Free Muni for Youth.   

What young riders have to say

“Muni Kids” features interviews with people who benefit from Free Muni for Youth.  

“I’m a very active student. I participate in a lot of extra curriculars and activities across the city,” teenager Zuleyma Sarceno tells us. “Muni has really allowed me to be a part of all the different activities that I do.”

We should note that cable cars aren’t included in the overall Free Muni for Youth program. But Diana Hammons explains that some young people can ride them free of charge. “We have an option where you can apply for a free Muni for Youth Clipper card that does include cable car access that is only for San Francisco residents.”

How to listen

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu also appears in “Muni Kids.” You can find it and all our Taken with Transportation episodes on our podcast webpage (SFMTA.com/Podcast) and our YouTube channel. We’re also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart and other podcast platforms.