NJ Transit Offers Free Kids Rides April 23
Up to two children under 18 ride free with paying adult on April 23, 2026
NJ Transit Kids Ride Free April 23 for Work Day
NJ Transit's letting up to two kids under 18 ride free with a fare-paying adult on Thursday, April 23, 2026, for Take Your Kids to Work Day. The one-day promotion covers all bus, train, and light rail service across the state system. Children don't need tickets for the special offer, NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri said.
Context
The promotion ties into a national educational event that encourages career exploration and highlights public transit's role in daily commuting, according to the transit agency. NJ Transit provides more than 925,000 weekday trips across the nation's largest statewide public transportation system. Governor Mikie Sherrill said the program helps families experience how public transit connects communities and powers the economy. The initiative aims to introduce young people to public transportation benefits and encourage future ridership, Kolluri told reporters.
Details
The free-ride offer applies across NJ Transit's entire network of 264 bus routes, 12 commuter rail lines, and three light rail lines. The system operates 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations, and more than 19,000 bus stops throughout New Jersey, making it the third largest transit system in the country. NJ Transit's employee resource group called empower developed a Traveling With Children web page with information and tips for adults riding with kids. The promotion runs for one day only on April 23.
Timeline
The free-ride promotion takes effect Thursday, April 23, 2026, coinciding with the national Take Your Kids to Work Day event. Officials announced the program in late April to give families time to plan their commutes. The one-day offer requires no advance registration or special tickets for children.
Impact
Families using NJ Transit on April 23 can save on fares while introducing children to public transportation during their workday commute. The promotion could affect thousands of riders across the system's bus, rail, and light rail services. Moovit provides real-time schedule information and trip planning for NJ Transit routes throughout New Jersey.
