Sometimes good news really does show up right on schedule — or in this case, on the bus schedule. Starting November 1, all youth ages 6–17 in Nevada County can ride public transit for free. No passes. No paperwork. No student ID. Just hop on and go.

This isn’t just a transportation update — it’s a step toward accessibility, independence, and community connection for our young people.

How We Got Here

This milestone didn’t come from the top down. It came from youth voices.

Back in June, the Nevada County Youth Commission presented its first set of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, emphasizing that many young people struggle to access transportation for school activities, jobs, parks, libraries, mentorship, and mental health resources.

On September 17, the Transit Services Commission of Western Nevada County reviewed a joint presentation by Nevada County Transit Services and the Youth Commission — and approved the proposal unanimously. They didn’t just approve it — they commended the youth for their advocacy.

This is what civic engagement looks like in real life: young people identifying a barrier, speaking up, and sparking actual change.

Nevada County is at its best when we invest in our own — our families, our kids, our connections, our shared future. This free transit program is more than a route map; it’s a reminder that when we listen to young voices, good things grow here.

Here’s to movement — in every sense of the word.