June 6, 2025

Try out public transportation or save money if you’re already using it with free service on Sioux Area Metro every Friday this summer.

The Summer Fridays initiative is part of an effort between the city of Sioux Falls and Via, its public transit manager, to boost ridership.

“Whether you’re headed to Falls Park, grabbing lunch downtown or just avoiding traffic and the summer construction, Summer Fridays are a great way for community members to try the bus and ideally make it part of their regular lifestyle routine in Sioux Falls,” said Emily Shapiro, director of operations for Via.

The free offer applies every Friday through Aug. 30 on all fixed-route buses and paratransit services. It does not apply to the SAM on Demand service.

There’s no fare and no pass needed — just get on a bus and ride. For paratransit, riders can book as usual and will not be charged.

Between April 2024 and this April, ridership increased 23 percent, according to Via.

Other new additions include extended service hours, citywide on-demand service, a redesigned route to serve the airport and an upgraded live bus-tracking app to help riders plan their trips more easily.

Riders can check routes, stops and schedules at siouxareametro.info or by using the SAM On Demand app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play.