Kids and teens can catch a free transit ride Aug. 18. The catch? It’s back to school

Students across the region who take transit to class will get a perk next month when school resumes.

Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority will provide free rides for children in kindergarten through Grade 12 on Aug. 18.

The date coincides with the first day of classes for Chicago Public Schools and a number of suburban districts.

The no-cost fares are offered for public and private school students and will be available from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 18.

“We recognize the value in students having an affordable and convenient ride to school on their first day back and how it can lead to a great school year,” Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen said in a statement.

Accompanying adults also receive the perk, CTA officials said.

The CTA began offering first-day-of-school free rides in 2011 — with Pace and Metra climbing aboard in 2022.

All three transit systems offer lower fares for students in elementary, middle and high schools.

For example, the CTA provides a 75-cent fare on buses and trains for children ages 7 to 11 during regular school hours, compared to adult rates of $2.25 and $2.50, respectively.

For more information, go to: metra.com/fares; pacebus.com/student-fare-information, or transitchicago.com/students.