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United Way Partners with Busch Gardens to Provide Free Youth Transportation

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 8:47 GMT by Daily Press
      Locale: Florida, UNITED STATES

United Way Youth Transportation Initiative Brings Families Closer to Busch Gardens

The Greater Chesapeake United Way announced a bold new partnership with Busch Gardens this week, launching a dedicated youth‑transportation program that will see hundreds of families and students ride the park’s doors safely to a special “Family Day” event. The move—highlighted in the recent Daily Press story—underscores the role that community‑based transportation services can play in providing equitable access to cultural and recreational opportunities for children and teens from all walks of life.

The Vision: Bringing Kids to Busch Gardens

At its core, the program is simple: United Way will deploy a fleet of buses and trained drivers to ferry children—especially those from low‑income households—to Busch Gardens for a curated “Youth & Family Celebration.” The celebration will feature free rides on the park’s “Fury of the Plains” coaster, behind‑the‑scenes tours of the animal exhibits, and a special “Kids’ Cook‑Along” session with one of the park’s chefs.

“We want to create an experience where kids can see that the park is not just a destination for those who can afford to drive or book pricey tickets,” said United Way’s Director of Community Partnerships, Maria Alvarez. “Transportation is often the hidden barrier that keeps families from participating. With this partnership, we’re putting the solution right at their doorstep.”

How It Works: A Three‑Tiered Approach

1. Pre‑Event Registration
   Families register through United Way’s online portal, selecting their child’s age, preferred departure time, and any special medical needs. Registration also allows the park to gauge attendance, ensuring that the bus capacity and event logistics align.

2. Bus Dispatch and On‑Site Support
   Each bus is staffed by a United Way volunteer driver, a bus safety officer, and a designated “Youth Mentor.” The buses leave from a central pickup point near the park’s main entrance and adhere to a strict schedule that mirrors the park’s operating hours. “Safety is our number one priority,” noted Alvarez. “All drivers undergo background checks and receive a refresher on child‑safety protocols.”

3. Post‑Event Wrap‑Up
   After the day’s activities, families return to the same bus, where a “Thank‑You” kit—containing snacks, water bottles, and a souvenir booklet—is handed out. The event concludes with a short feedback survey to gauge impact and identify areas for improvement.

The Numbers: A Growing Impact

In its pilot run last year, United Way transported 1,200 youth across the region, with 95% of families reporting a “highly positive” experience. This year, the program aims to expand to five additional cities—Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Salisbury—serving an estimated 5,000 families.

“From a purely numerical standpoint, we’re looking at a five‑fold increase in outreach,” Alvarez said. “But beyond the numbers, the goal is to foster a sense of belonging and adventure among our youth, especially those who might otherwise miss out.”

Community Voices

A mother from Portsmouth, Jessica K., whose 12‑year‑old Lily attends a public school without an after‑school transportation plan, shared her excitement. “We’ve always wanted to take Lily to Busch Gardens, but driving there every day isn’t realistic for us. The bus program is a lifesaver.” She added that the park’s “Kids’ Cook‑Along” activity—where kids learn to prepare simple, nutritious snacks—has inspired Lily to explore healthier eating habits.

The park’s spokesperson, Kevin Reynolds, emphasized Busch Gardens’ commitment to community engagement. “Our mission is to provide immersive experiences that educate and inspire,” he said. “When we partner with organizations like United Way, we can widen our impact, making the park a shared resource for all children.”

The Bigger Picture: Addressing Transportation Equity

Transportation barriers remain a critical obstacle to equal opportunity for many families. The United Way’s Youth Transportation Initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to bridge that gap. According to a 2023 Chesapeake Transportation Study, nearly 18% of low‑income households rely on public transit, yet only 5% have reliable options to access recreational facilities outside their immediate neighborhoods.

The partnership is also part of United Way’s “Future‑Proofing Youth” strategic plan, which includes expanding after‑school transportation, mentoring programs, and digital learning hubs. By embedding these services in a high‑visibility setting like Busch Gardens, United Way hopes to inspire other corporations to join the conversation.

How to Get Involved

Families interested in participating can sign up through United Way’s portal at www.unitedway.com/youthtransport. In addition, the organization encourages community volunteers to apply as bus drivers or event facilitators. Busch Gardens will host a volunteer orientation on December 31st, with registration opening in mid‑January.

For more detailed information—such as safety policies, detailed schedules, or the full list of participating cities—visitors can follow the links provided in the Daily Press article:

• United Way Youth Transportation Program (www.unitedway.com/youthtransport)
• Busch Gardens Community Outreach (www.buschgardens.com/commoutreach)
• Transportation Equity Report (www.chaip.org/transparency)

Looking Ahead

As the summer approaches, United Way and Busch Gardens are already brainstorming next‑season expansions. Ideas on the table include a “Wildlife Conservation” weekend where kids can learn about habitat protection, and a “STEM‑in‑Action” day featuring robotics and coding workshops. The ultimate aim? To create a sustainable, year‑round ecosystem that supports youth education, recreation, and well‑being.

In a world where equitable access to leisure and learning often hinges on a single factor—transportation—this partnership offers a tangible, scalable solution. By placing a bus at the intersection of community need and park opportunity, United Way and Busch Gardens are turning the simple act of “getting there” into a gateway for brighter futures.