Navigating school and college life in Traverse City is more convenient and budget-friendly with the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA). Offering a range of services tailored for students, BATA ensures safe and reliable transportation to various educational institutions, including Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and local K-12 schools.

Student Discounts and Fare Information

BATA provides a 50% fare discount for students with a valid student ID or a BATA reduced fare card. Children under 5 ride free with a paying adult. Discounted fares include:

  • City Loop one-way: $0.75

  • Village Loop one-way: $1.50

  • Link On-Demand one-way: $3.00

For frequent riders, BATA offers an Annual Student Pass for $322, which provides unlimited rides on City and Village Loop routes for 365 days. There's also a 31-Day Commuter Pass for $40.

Routes Serving Educational Institutions

BATA operates several routes that cater specifically to students:

  • Northwestern Michigan College (NMC): Served by the Bayline, Village Loop 13, and Seasonal Route 16, covering multiple campuses including the Main Campus, Aero Park, Great Lakes Campus, and University Center.

  • Traverse City West Senior High & The Children’s House Montessori School: WEST route departs from Hall Street at 7:35 AM, with return trips in the afternoon.

  • Grand Traverse Academy & Woodland School: Accessible via Seasonal Route 31.

A full list of routes and schedules can be found on BATA’s Student Seasonal Routes page.

Community Benefits of Riding BATA

Beyond helping students, BATA plays an important role in supporting the broader Traverse City community. Here’s how:

Reducing Traffic Congestion

With more students riding the bus, there are fewer personal vehicles on the road—especially during peak school hours. This leads to less traffic around school zones and reduces the overall strain on local infrastructure.

Promoting Sustainability

Public transportation significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Each bus trip helps remove multiple cars from the road, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment in northern Michigan.

Supporting Economic Equity

BATA offers an affordable option for families who may not have access to a car or prefer not to rely on one. It ensures that every student, regardless of background, has a dependable way to get to class, internships, or extracurricular activities.

Enhancing Student Independence

For high school and college students, using BATA fosters independence and life skills. Learning how to navigate the transit system builds confidence and time-management skills while encouraging self-reliance.

Planning Your Trip

To make the most of BATA’s services, students should start by reviewing the route maps and schedules available on BATA’s website to find the most convenient options for getting to and from school. Utilizing real-time tracking tools like the Transit App or the BATA Bus Tracker website allows students to plan ahead and avoid long waits at stops. When boarding, students should be prepared to show their student ID or reduced fare card, or have their valid pass or exact fare ready. These simple steps help ensure a smooth, stress-free ride and keep buses running on schedule.​

BATA is more than just a ride to school—it’s a community-driven resource that supports student success, reduces environmental impact, and makes Traverse City a more connected and accessible place to live and learn. Whether you’re heading to NMC, a local high school, or a charter school, BATA has you covered with reliable, affordable transportation.