Student ID Program
Students save when they ride CATA!
Program information
A CATA Student ID is an easy way to show that you are eligible for discounted student fares on most CATA services.
Students in middle school and above can use a CATA Student ID or valid school ID to verify their eligibility for the student fare.
The 2026–2027 CATA Student ID is valid from Aug. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027.
Protect your CATA student ID
In order for the farebox to read the magnetic strip on the back of the CATA Student ID, it must be in good condition. Your card can become invalid if damaged.
- Do not bend your CATA Student ID.
- Keep it away from heat and out of the sun.
- Do not get your CATA Student ID wet.
Frequently asked questions
Students in middle school and above who are enrolled in a local educational or vocational school are eligible for a free CATA Student ID. A valid school identification card may also be used in place of a CATA Student ID.
CATA Student IDs are free to participating local schools each school year. Check with your school office to receive one.
If your school does not distribute CATA Student IDs, you can obtain a card at the CATA Transportation Center, CATA Administrative Offices or the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway
A CATA Student ID provides discounted fares on most CATA services, with the exception of Spec-Tran and Meridian Redi-Ride.
Students with a CATA Student ID or valid school ID pay 60 cents on all fixed-route services and Delhi Redi-Ride. Discounted fares on other eligible paratransit services range from $1 to $1.50.
After presenting or using your CATA Student ID or valid school ID, you may pay the discounted fare using cash, a pass or a ride card at the farebox.
Students without a CATA Student ID or valid school ID must pay the regular fare.
Exact change is recommended. If you pay more than the required fare, the farebox will issue a CATACash Card for the remaining balance. You can use the card to pay for future rides on any fixed-route bus
Yes, but your CATA Student ID cannot be used directly as a contactless payment method. To receive the discounted student fare when paying contactless, you must first obtain a discount entitlement.
You can obtain a discount entitlement by completing the online discount validation form or by visiting the CATA Transportation Center, CATA Administrative Offices or the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway. A valid school ID and/or other qualifying documentation is required.
Once the discount entitlement is applied, you can receive the student fare when using eligible contactless payment options, including tapping a debit or credit card, phone via Apple Pay or Google Pay, smartwatch or mobile tickets through the CATA Mobile Pay or Transit apps. For fare information, visit the Fares webpage.
Your CATA Student ID makes you eligible to purchase discounted student passes, which can save you even more money. Passes can be purchased online or at participating pass vendors listed on our website.
Your CATA Student ID cannot be used by anyone else. You must also follow CATA’s rules while riding the bus or while on CATA property. Any abuse of the CATA Student ID or its privileges can result in the card being revoked and not replaced.