LA CR0SSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The City of La Crosse Municipal Transit and the School District of La Crosse are collaborating to bring the first-ever Youth Summer Ride to the city.

During the ride, student groups will travel around the city to multiple locations, including the public library, City Hall, Logan Middle School, and Grand River Station.

“This gives kids an opportunity to hop on public transit and learn the system, get comfortable traveling around the greater City of La Crosse from the North Side to the South Side,” School District of La Crosse Community Impact Coordinator Andy Kiel says.

Event organizers hope to give students the chance to take a day to see some of the city’s most popular sites, while also helping youth build the confidence and skills to independently navigate the city’s public transit system.

“It helps them navigate spaces, whether that’s going to school or going to places where their friends are. As city resources for kids become more separated, it’s a good opportunity for kids to learn how to navigate to different sides of town and find where their friends are. I also think it helps prepare them for when they become employees in the La Crosse area—being able to get to places that benefit them as employees, rather than just working at the closest place near them," Kiel says.

Transit officials say it is beneficial for youth to learn about other travel options.

“They don’t have to walk everywhere. They don’t have to ride their bike. They don’t have to ask mom or dad for a ride. They can learn the routes and then be able to take the bus just about anywhere they want to go,” La Crosse MTU Transit Operations Manager says.

Around 65 students are participating in the ride.

Organizers hope to make this an annual summer event.

https://www.weau.com/2026/07/07/youth-summer-ride-allows-students-see-how-utilize-public-transportation/