Ibrahim Gardner
Students often wonder if they can benefit from discounted fares during the summer holidays. The answer depends on the mode of transportation and the region. For instance, in Maryland, students can use their Student ID card to pay a discounted fare on all MTA local services, but this is only valid during the school term printed on the card. On the other hand, students in Southeastern Pennsylvania can use the SEPTA K-12 Student Pass Program for up to eight trips per school day, and this card is valid throughout the school year. Additionally, some airlines, such as IndiGo, offer student discounts on base fares, while Amtrak offers student discounts on train tickets.
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What You'll Learn
Student fares for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers discounted travel for students. The SEPTA Key card is a reloadable, contactless chip card that can be used for seamless travel. The SEPTA K-12 Student Pass Program offers students up to eight trips per school day between 5:30 am and 8 pm, including transfers. The number of daily trips is defined by the School Districts and students should contact their school administrator for additional information. The card cannot be obtained directly from SEPTA.
The SEPTA University Pass Program offers colleges and universities the ability to purchase deeply discounted All-Access Passes for students. The monthly retail value of this pass is $204, but through the UPass program, participants can receive up to an 80% discount. This program is not purchased by individual students and is instead initiated by the colleges and universities. There are exemptions for students who are permanently remote or online-only, or those taking part in an exchange or study abroad program for the entire semester.
Students at participating universities can link their Key cards to their university payment profile. The only accepted payment method for the Semester Pass Program is ACH, and there is a $1.00 non-refundable test charge to the account. Registered Key cards have balance protection, and the balance can be transferred to a new card if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged.
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Student fares for Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
Students in Maryland can benefit from discounted fares on certain MTA services. To qualify for the discounted student fare, students need to obtain an MTA Student Transit ID card. This card is issued by participating parochial and private schools, public schools in Baltimore County, and some schools in Baltimore City. Students in grades K-12 attending day or night school can use the Student ID card.
The Student ID card allows students to pay a reduced fare of $1.50 per trip when travelling to and from school. This fare includes transfer privileges. Students can purchase the Student Fare on any day that schools are open and the MTA designates as an eligible school day. Typically, student fares are not applicable on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
The Student ID card is valid for one school term only, and students must request a new card at the beginning of each school year. The card must include the student's name, address, gender, school name, and the date it was issued. It is important to note that the ID card is not valid for travel on the MARC Train or MDOT MTA Commuter Bus.
In addition to the Student ID card, Baltimore City Public School students participating in the City's sponsored Student Transportation Program receive monthly S-Passes and a Baltimore City Public Schools Student Transit Identification Card. To ride MTA local services, students must show both the Student Transit Identification Card and the S-Pass to a Bus Operator, Metro Subway attendant, or Light Rail fare inspector. The S-Pass is valid on school days only, between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and is not valid on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
For college students, the MTA offers an All Access College Transit Pass, which is available through the MTA mobile app, CharmPass. This pass is valid for unlimited use on MTA CityLink, LocalLink, Express BusLink, Light Rail, and Metro Subway. However, it is not accepted on the MARC Train service. Students must be enrolled for the current school semester to be eligible for this pass.
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Student discounts for flights
StudentUniverse and KAYAK are two travel companies that offer student discounts on flights.
StudentUniverse offers exclusive student discounts on flights, hotels, and more. They have various deals, such as $50 off flights between the US and international destinations when flying with Singapore Airlines.
KAYAK has partnered with travel companies that offer discounts on flights for college students and travelers under the age of 26. To find out if a discount is available for your trip, enter your origin and destination, and select “students” instead of “adults” as your traveler option.
IndiGo also offers a 10% student discount on base fares for domestic flights in India. This scheme is applicable to students above the age of 12, and bookings can be made through IndiGo’s website or mobile application. To be eligible for the discount, students must furnish a valid school/university ID card at the time of check-in at the airport.
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Student discounts for trains
Students can get discounts on train tickets, but the availability of these discounts depends on location and the type of train service. Here are some examples:
Amtrak
Amtrak offers a 15% national student discount for students aged 17-24 in the US. This discount is automatically applied when qualifying travel is selected or when using the Amtrak app with the code V814.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers a student pass program for students in grades K-12. The SEPTA Key Student Fare Card is provided by the school district and is valid for up to eight trips per school day between 5:30 am and 8 pm, including transfers. This card can be used for all SEPTA transit modes, including Regional Rail.
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers a Student Fare for $1.50 per ride. To use this fare, students need to obtain an MTA Student Transit ID card from their school. This card is valid for MTA local services, including CityLink, LocalLink, Express Bus Link, Metro Subway, and Light Rail. However, it is not valid for travel on the MARC Train or MDOT MTA Commuter Bus. The card is only valid during the school term printed on the front and must be presented each time the student pays the fare.
IndiGo
IndiGo offers a 10% student discount on domestic flight bookings within India for students above the age of 12. To avail of this discount, students must present a valid school or university ID card at the time of check-in.
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Student summer classes and financial aid
Students who take classes during the summer may be eligible for financial aid. To qualify for federal financial aid for summer classes, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will determine eligibility for the entire academic year, including summer sessions. Students should check with their school's financial aid office to confirm whether they have completed the correct form.
Students must also be enrolled in a minimum number of credits to receive financial aid. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least half-time (six credits) to qualify for federal student loans, while graduate students must be enrolled in at least six credits or 24 graduate units. Students who are Pell Grant eligible and enrolled in less than full-time (12 or more credits) across both summer sessions will receive a pro-rated Summer Pell Grant based on the number of credits enrolled.
Additionally, students who have not used all of their annual Direct Loan eligibility and are enrolled in six or more credits for the summer term can request to use their unused funds for the summer. Students with unused Direct Loan and Graduate PLUS loan funds can also apply for additional funding through the Summer 2025 Federal Direct Loan Request Form.
Students attending St. Elizabeth School in Baltimore, Maryland, are eligible to purchase a discounted $1.50 Student Fare for MTA local services until they complete their education. This fare can be used on CityLink, LocalLink, Express Bus Link, Metro Subway, and Light Rail services. Students must present their Student ID card when paying for the Student Fare and when riding MTA vehicles. The Student ID card is only valid for the school term printed on the front, so students attending summer school will need to request a new ID card.
Students in Southeastern Pennsylvania can also take advantage of the SEPTA K-12 Student Pass Program, which provides discounted fares for students in grades 7 through 12 who live 1.5 miles or farther from school. The Student Fare Cards are valid for up to eight trips per school day, between 5:30 am and 8 pm, and can be used on all SEPTA transit modes, including Regional Rail.
Additionally, students above the age of 12 can receive a 10% discount on base fares for domestic flights offered by IndiGo. To receive the discount, students must present a valid school/university ID card at the time of check-in.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will need to request a new student ID card for the summer term. The colour of the card changes with each school year and for summer school.
Visit your school's office to request a new ID card. If your school does not participate in the program, ask your school administrators to contact the relevant Reduced Fare Certification Office.
Yes, your student ID card is valid all year long, including weekends and the summer. However, it is only valid for the school term printed on the front.
Yes, FAFSA aid isn't only applicable to the fall and spring semesters; you can use it for the summer, too. However, you will need to check with your school to determine which year the FAFSA needs to be completed, and you'll need to be enrolled at least half-time.
