Go-To Cards
Middle School Students
MPS offers eligible middle school students and middle grade students at our K-8 schools the choice to receive a Metro Transit Go To card and opt out of yellow bus transportation.
Middle school students need to be eligible for transportation in order to participate. There is no cost to families for these Metro Transit Go To Cards. Those students who reside in the walk zone of their school or reside outside of the district boundaries are unable to participate in this program.
These Metro Transit Go To Cards are offered as another option to help reduce the impact of the continuing driver shortage at MPS. A student's Go To Card will replace their yellow bus transportation service. Once they receive their Go To Card, students will be unassigned from their bus stop and no longer be able to ride the school bus. If a family would like to return to yellow bus service for their student, they will need to return the Go To Card to their school and request transportation. Use of the Go To card should span the academic quarter to be effective in addressing the continuing driver shortage.
Middle School Go To Card Request Form
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a free Go To Card?
Middle school students and students in grades 6-8 at a K-8 school who are eligible for yellow bus transportation.
What is the Go-to Card program?
A Go-To Card is a durable, plastic pre-paid fare card that allows for unlimited rides on city buses and light rail to and from school instead of riding the traditional yellow school bus. The cards can be used after school hours for other student activities.
Students may also use their Go-To Cards for extracurricular activities before and after school hours.
How do they work?
The Go-To Cards will allow student users to ride the bus or train from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.
What are the benefits of the program?
- It offers students scheduling flexibility and access to a wide variety of learning and enrichment opportunities in the community.
- Students will have more opportunities to remain at school for academic programs, sports and other activities beyond the regular school day.
- The program supports improved student attendance and retention.
Student Code of Conduct
High School Students
Go To Cards for High School Students
Eligibility
Regular education high school students who are eligible for a free Go To Card:
- Students who qualify for educational benefits, regardless of where they live in their school attendance area.
- Students who are within the attendance area of their school, but outside the walk zone.
- Students who are enrolled in a city-wide program (for example: Roosevelt Dual Language, South- All Nations) and outside the walk zone of their school. Students must reside in Minneapolis.
Getting Ready for the Ride
To find the closest transit stops and schedules, use the Trip Planner at metrotransit.org or on the Metro Transit app and enter your home address and name of your school. Search the schedule for a weekday arrival time at least 15-30 minutes before the start of the school day.
Find more details, including stops that are nearest to schools, on Metro Transit's Minneapolis Public Schools website at metrotransit.org/mps.
For help by phone, call 612-373-3333. Metro Transit's trip planning experts are standing by from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Interpretation services for dozens of languages are available over the phone by request.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my eligible high school student receive the Student Go-To Card?
- For the new school year, eligible students can pick up their Go-To Card directly from the school. Distribution information will come from the student's high school. All high schools will have a staff member assisting with Go-To Card distribution. During card pick up, students and parents will be asked to review and sign the transportation code of conduct.
- Metro Transit will provide free rides to students headed to pick up their Go-To Card. Students must show the Free Rides Pass for MPS students.
What is the Go-to Card program?
- A Go-To Card is a durable, plastic pre-paid fare card that allows for unlimited rides on city buses and light rail to and from school instead of riding the traditional yellow school bus. The cards can be used after school hours for other student activities.
- Students may also use their Go-To Cards for extracurricular activities before and after school hours.
What are the benefits of the program?
- It offers students scheduling flexibility and access to a wide variety of learning opportunities in the community.
- Students will have more opportunities to remain at school for academic programs, sports and other activities beyond the regular school day.
- Personal language-specific service will be provided by Check & Connect staff.
- The program supports improved student attendance and retention.
How do they work?
- The Go-To Cards will allow student users to ride the bus or train from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Who is eligible for a free Go To Card?
- Students who qualify for educational benefits, regardless of where they live in their school attendance area.
- Students who are within the attendance area of their school, but outside the walk zone.
- Students who are enrolled in a city-wide program (for example: Roosevelt Dual Language, South- All Nations) and outside the walk zone of their school. Students must reside in Minneapolis.
If my student is not eligible to receive a free Go-To Card, Can I purchase one for my student?
- All students who do not qualify for a free card can purchase one at a discounted rate by stopping by the Go-To Card admin office at their school. You can check with the main office for that location. Payments can be made in full for the entire year ($388) or before the start of each quarter ($97.00). Only cash payments are accepted. Cards are active through the end of the school year, unless payment is not received at the beginning of the quarter.
- *Cards may not be available for purchase immediately at the beginning of the year, as we are legally obligated to get transportation-eligible students their cards first.
If I have specific questions concerning my student’s Go-To Card or transportation route, who can I contact?
- MPS Check and Connect staff will be available to assist with route planning when students pick-up their Go-To Card Pass the week prior to school starting. Students and families can also talk with Check and Connect staff at their specific high school or a bilingual staff member.
Safety on Metro Transit
Metro Transit is committed to keeping buses and trains safe and their employees are trained to deal with security issues. Follow the link to read more about safety on Metro transit.
Metro Man & Lightrail Lady, Episode 1 (from the Youth Coordinating Board)
Metro Transit’s YouTube page (multiple how-to videos)
WCCO report (4/23/12)
Paying your fare (how-to video)
School Matters segment (Hmong)
Student Access (Student & Parent Video)
Student Independence (Student Video)
Student Flexibility (Student Video)
Student Opportunities (Student Video)