Palo Alto Link Teen Service

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Palo Alto Link is the City’s rideshare service option that gets you around town with a simple request in our app. Teens have always been able to ride Palo Alto Link and starting March 25, 2024, select rides are free!

Palo Alto Link Pilot Service and Fare Changes Begin Wednesday, December 4

During peak travel times, car traffic along school routes impacts student safety. To reduce congestion around schools and improve ride-sharing access for users with disabilities, older adults, and users arriving from transit hubs, Palo Alto Link's pilot service will be unavailable within approximately ¼ mile of PAUSD secondary school locations during the following times, beginning December 4, 2024: 

  • Palo Alto HS and Gunn HS: 7:30 - 9 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m. 
  • Fletcher MS, Greene MS, and JLS MS: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 - 4 p.m. 

Regular user fares will increase from $3.50 to $4. Trips will continue being provided to and from the following youth mental health and recreation-specific locations at no charge. Walking and biking are also stress-reducing, brain-boosting commuting options that help students become more self-confident and self-reliant. Walk and Roll Maps and school commute resources are available via the City’s Safe Routes to School website. Public transit to Gunn HS is available via VTA’s Route 288 with 6 buses per day. Interested in rebooting your student’s school commute? Contact saferoutes@cityofpaloalto.org. 


Need a self-care yoga session at the park? Want to take an art class or make cool things in the makerspace at Cubberley? Palo Alto Link has you covered. Don’t let the journey get in your way of going to the places you’ll go. Biking and walking, which are also great for mental and physical health, and downloading the Palo Alto Link app will help you unlock more of the City. Find more resources to be well and gain support.

  • Book rides directly from the app on your smartphone
  • Get picked up in a sleek, eco-friendly vehicle (read dressed up Tesla)
  • Study at your favorite library, connect and hang out at the Teen Center in Mitchell Park, or have a picnic with friends at a City park
  • Take a safe ride to a safe space when you need it most from Palo Alto Teen Link

How It Works

  1. Download the app “Palo Alto Link” in the App Store or Google Play. 
  2. Create an account in app.
  3. Navigate to the Settings Menu, click “Discounted Fares” and select the “Teen (13 – 18)” category. 
  4. You’re ready to ride!

App Renderings

Most rides for teens are $1. Select rides for teens are free. See the fares tab for the list of free locations.

Those without smartphones can sign-up for an account and request rides by phone (650) 505-5772. The vans have bike racks (2 bikes per rack) and wheelchair accessible vans are available upon request.

Fares

When setting up your account you’ll be able to add a credit/debit card. The card on file will be automatically charged once you’ve completed a ride. You can also pay with exact cash on board. However, the driver will not be able to give you any change. 

Teen Fares are $1

Rides to locations listed below are free! 

  • allcove Palo Alto
  • Palo Alto City Libraries
  • Lucie Stern Plaza (Children's Theatre, Community Center, Community Theatre)
  • Mitchell Park Community Center
  • Cubberley Community Center (MakeX Studio)
  • Palo Alto Art Center
  • Rinconada Park/Pool
  • Greer Park
  • El Camino Park
  • Mayfield Soccer Complex
  • Mitchell Park
  • Bol Park
  • Ventura Community Center (YCS Youth Connect Meetings) 

Free Destinations

  • allcove Palo Alto
  • Palo Alto City Libraries
  • Lucie Stern Plaza (Children's Theatre, Community Center, Community Theatre)
  • Mitchell Park Community Center
  • Cubberley Community Center (MakeX Studio)
  • Palo Alto Art Center
  • Rinconada Park/Pool
  • Greer Park
  • El Camino Park
  • Mayfield Soccer Complex
  • Mitchell Park
  • Bol Park
  • Ventura Community Center (YCS Youth Connect Meetings)

Accessibility

If you need a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), we’ll come straight to your door. Just be sure to head to the app and follow these easy steps:

  1. Tap the menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
  2. Tap your name.
  3. Tap Special settings, then turn on Wheelchair accessibility.

Those without smartphones can sign-up for an account and request rides by phone (650) 505-5772.  Palo Alto Link vans have bike racks (2 bikes per rack) and wheelchair accessible vans are available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a credit/debit card required to create a profile? 
 Nope! When you download the app, just select the “Cash on board” option. If you are going to or from one of the free locations, no payment is necessary. All other rides will be $1 for teens. 

I have practice at Mitchell Park from 5 - 7 p.m., will I be able to use Palo Alto Link to get home after? 
 Palo Alto Link hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday. If you have a bicycle, Palo Alto Link cars have bike racks so that you can bike home after practice or outside of the operating hours! Consider biking or walking to get around outside of these hours. For a list of safe walking and bike routes, click here.

Why are only certain destinations free for teens? 
Supporting teen mental health is a priority for the City. Teens shared that transportation can be a barrier to supporting their mental health. The locations identified as part of the free teen service rides provide a safe and engaging space for teens to gather, get support, or just enjoy community!

Service Hours

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Download the App!

Palo Alto Link QR Code to Download App

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

Related Information

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