Residents who qualify for Metro Transit’s Transit Assistance Program (TAP) can now enroll at the Minneapolis Service Center in downtown Minneapolis.
TAP is designed to make public transit more affordable for people with lower incomes by offering discounted fare rates for those eligible.
The program offers a discounted fare pass on a Go-To Card for a full year for those who financially qualify. Customers can travel for $1 each ride on buses or trains with a 2.5-hour transfer compared to the normal transit fare of $2 per ride and $2.50 per ride during rush hour.
To qualify, people must have income levels at or below 50% of the local median income, be within 185% of federal poverty guidelines or be supported by an organization enrolled in the Eligible Community Organization program, according to the TAP Partners website.
The center is located near the Government Plaza Green and Blue Line light rail station.
Metro Transit TAP Coordinator Andrea Kiepe said community partners, like the City of Minneapolis, can verify eligibility directly through tax returns, pay stubs or other documentation listed on Metro Transit’s website.
“They can take the train downtown, they can get off at the Government Center stop, walk a block, go to the service center, show that pay stub and get taxed,” Kiepe said. “So it just makes the accessibility so much greater.”
TAP lasts for one year on the Go-To Card and people who still qualify for the program can re-enroll up to two months before expiration, according to Metro Transit’s website. People can apply for a TAP card online or in person at the Minneapolis Service Center.
Drew Kerr, a Metro Transit spokesperson, said Metro Transit recognizes that public transit is a lifeline for people and the cost should not be a barrier.
“It’s what they need to get to work, to school, to a lot of different destinations and it’s our job to make sure that it’s available to them, they can access it and get where they need to go,” Kerr said.
TAP is not the only reduced fare program Metro Transit offers, Kiepe said.
Children under five ride for free and seniors and youth ride for $1 outside of rush hour. Unemployed residents in the Jobseekers program and eligible charitable organizations for nonprofits working with people experiencing homelessness are also offered reduced fares.
Theresa Nelson, Move Minnesota’s program director, said University of Minnesota students are automatically enrolled in the Universal Transit Pass program, which allows students to ride the Metro Transit light rail and buses for free with their U Card. This program has reduced the annual cost of transit by 74%.
“Great public transit that is affordable and well-connected can make a huge, positive difference in people’s lives and benefits our community as a whole,” Nelson said.
Fear None Conquer All Founder Krissy Cook said being a partner with TAP helps give people the opportunity to find transportation without worrying about gas and parking.
“I know how finding transportation can be, or just getting around can be, from being homeless to having car troubles all the time,” Cook said. “Sometimes your best bet is public transportation and the TAP program will really help if you’re in a bind with cash or if you’re just starting to work.”
Kiepe said community organizations and businesses can offer the best services but without people having access to transportation, there is no point.
“So that’s the piece that we’re trying, is making sure everyone is able to make the trips they need to get through life, to thrive and if we can, we want to make that as simple and easy to do as possible,” Kiepe said.
In-person locations to apply for a TAP card include:
- Burnsville Transit Station – 100 Highway 13, Burnsville
- Minneapolis Metro Transit Service Center – 719 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis
- St. Paul Metro Transit Service Center – US Bank Center Skyway 101 E. Fifth Street, St. Paul
- SouthWest Transit Station – 13500 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie
- Minneapolis Public Service Center – 505 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis
Editor’s Note: Lede altered for clarity.
