Empowering the Next Generation of Transit Riders Through Exploration

TAMMY L. MILLER
Founder and Executive Director
ATX KIDS CLUB

Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and attending university in the city meant learning how to navigate public transit at an age that felt intimidating and a bit scary. But as I grew more familiar and later started working in the city, I found myself traveling between Philly, DC, and New York with ease—and with a growing sense of independence. One of my favorite early memories is navigating my young nieces on the Metro from Shady Grove station in Rockville, MD, to the Washington, DC, Zoo. Even now, twenty-plus years later, they still remember that day—and the experience of riding the train.

Those moments shaped my understanding of how public transportation connects people—not just physically, but culturally. Buses and trains opened doors to new experiences and helped me appreciate the diversity of people and places around me. That exposure planted a deep belief: exploration is one of the most powerful ways to learn.

In 2008, I moved to Austin to escape the cold northern winters and immerse myself in the city’s warmth: both its climate and its culture. I was drawn to the music, the friendliness, the energy. But I also noticed something missing when I was teaching first-graders in my classroom: many of my students, especially those from under-resourced communities, weren’t getting the opportunity to explore their own city. Some had never even seen the Austin skyline, despite our school being just seven miles from downtown.

That realization stayed with me. I began thinking deeply about how limited exposure can shape a child’s worldview—and how important it is to give children opportunities to see beyond their immediate surroundings. I didn’t just want kids to learn about their city, I wanted them to experience the full range of people, places, and stories that make it what it is. Riding the bus isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s a chance to observe, to ask questions, to sit beside someone whose life might be very different from your own. In that way, each transit ride becomes a small but powerful act of connection—and empathy.

With a background in education, I knew how real-world learning could spark curiosity and build confidence in kids. I also knew, from my own life, how powerful public transportation could be in fostering independence. In 2014, I brought those ideas together and launched ATX KIDS CLUB, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through exploration—using public transit and Central Texas as our classroom.

What began with me personally leading field trips for that first summer has grown into a year-round organization that serves hundreds of children across Central Texas. Our summer camp model is simple but impactful: we explore the city using Cap Metro’s buses, teaching kids how to read maps, plan routes, and navigate their surroundings with confidence. We believe in showing kids how to move through their city in a sustainable and fun way.

Each day, our campers visit local museums, libraries, cultural landmarks, and parks—all accessible by public transit. These aren’t just fun outings; they’re opportunities for growth. I’ve watched shy, uncertain children become the ones leading their peers, solving navigation challenges, and speaking up with confidence. These skills go far beyond city exploration—they’re life skills rooted in independence, problem-solving, and trust in oneself.

Public transportation plays a vital role in this process. It’s affordable, equitable, and accessible—and for some of the kids we serve, it becomes a gateway to the city and, more importantly, to their own sense of capability. Riding the bus isn’t just about getting somewhere. For our campers, it means they belong, they can figure things out, and they have the freedom to explore.

At ATX KIDS CLUB, we’re not just introducing children to new places, we’re fostering a relationship with public transit that we hope will last a lifetime. In a time when transit agencies are thinking about long-term ridership and relevance, this work matters. These children are not just future riders, they’re future advocates for sustainable, equitable transportation systems.

Over the years, I’ve been proud to see some of our alumni continue to use public transit as they grow. They see it not as a fallback, but as a smart, empowering choice. They carry with them a stronger sense of confidence in themselves and connection to their city.

What started as a small idea—born from my love of travel, transit, and education—has grown into something truly impactful. ATX KIDS CLUB continues to create meaningful, accessible experiences that help kids see the world and their place in it in a whole new way.

And it all begins with a bus ride, a little courage, and a lot of curiosity.