Free County Transit Options for HCPSS Students

February 13th, 2026

Through a partnership with the Howard County Government and Regional Transit Agency (RTA), HCPSS middle and high school students can ride both RTA and HoCoRapid Ride transportation for free.

Riding RTA Transportation

The RTA provides fixed bus routes on a schedule throughout Howard County south of Route 40. To apply for a pass, students must use their school-issued email address and may apply online or request a pass through their school’s front office. Students need to reapply each school year to obtain a new pass.

Students have full access to the RTA system and are not limited to transportation to and from school or school-related activities.

Riding HoCo RapidRide

HoCo RapidRide offers on-demand rides in parts of Elkridge, Hanover, Columbia and Jessup between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. HoCo RapidRide is a shared ride service using vans branded with the HoCo RapidRide logo that transport multiple passengers going in the same direction for efficiency.

After creating an account through the HoCo RapidRide app, students can select “special settings” under their name in the app and toggle the switch for “Howard County
Public School Student.” Students do not need to enter a credit card in the app. Rides can also be booked by calling 443-348-9572.

To use HoCo RapidRide, students must be 13 years of age or older to ride and must show their student ID when riding.