Whether it’s a job, a game, or any other essential destination, the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) can connect northwest Ohio’s youth to where they need to be this summer.

TARTA is now accepting applications for its Youth Summer Blast Pass at tarta.com/blast. These passes will allow youths ages 6-19 to ride all TARTA services free of charge for all of June, July, and August. The Blast Pass program was approved by TARTA’s Board of Directors in March, and passes are free this year thanks to a grant from Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

“This program is designed to put our youth in touch with employment, sports, and all of the other great things Lucas County and Rossford has to offer in the summer months,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski.

“We are grateful for the contribution Greater Toledo Community Foundation made to ensure that our young people get where they need to this summer without worrying about finances. We hope this program will open new opportunities for those students and young adults.”

While both digital and physical passes will be available, youth are encouraged to use digital passes for convenience. Starting today, youth can:

  • Create an account on the EZFare app
  • Fill out an application at tarta.com/blast and submit an EZFare form

After the application has been accepted, the pass should appear on the applicant’s EZFare account June 1, 2023.

“We’d like to make applying for the program as easy as possible,” Koprowski said.

“With so many businesses in the area hiring summer help, we want to greatly expand options for those youth looking to participate in our workforce, build their skill sets and help their families.

“I think the addition of TARTA Flex this year makes this program even more of a value. Use of both our fixed route and Flex services will make it easier and for our young people to reach Sylvania, Maumee, Rossford, Waterville and so many other communities.”

Those who prefer a physical pass to a digital pass can pick an application up at TARTA’s Transit Hub (612 N. Huron Street, Toledo) beginning Monday, May 15.

 

About TARTA

TARTA provides a vital link in the Toledo metro area to jobs, education, health care and other destinations. It enables everyone in our community to have access to transportation regardless of their age, race, physical ability or economic background. TARTA is exploring and introducing new initiatives and service options that will enhance convenience and customer experience while moving our region into the future of public transit.