RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City’s public transit system saw strong growth in September, with both overall ridership and youth participation posting significant increases.
According to the latest Rapid Transit System report, more than 26,700 passenger trips were recorded in September, a five percent increase compared to the same month last year.
Nearly 8,000 of those trips came through the city’s Youth Ride Free program, which allows students to ride transit buses at no cost. Youth ridership was up seven percent from September of 2025.
Transit officials say the growth is even more striking when compared to five years ago. Overall ridership increased by more than 9,000 trips, or 51 percent, from September 2021. Youth ridership has climbed nearly 89 percent during that same period.
Rapid Transit System Manager Megan Gould says September was a very solid month and that the school year is off to a strong start, with continued growth in student participation.
Rapid Transit System has provided public transportation services in Rapid City since 1992, while the Youth Ride Free program began during the 2016-2017 school year.
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