Go-To Cards for High School Students

Looking for information about Metro Transit Go To Cards for middle school students?
Check out: transportation.mpls.k12.mn.us/go_to_card_for_middle_schools

Getting Ready for Your 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 neareast 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.

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.
• The Go-To Card program is an expansion of the successful Go-To Card pilot program. 

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 and are within the 2-mile walk zone of their school.
• Students who are within the attendance zone of their school, but outside the walk zone.
• Students who are enrolled in a city-wide program (Roosevelt Dual Language, South- All Nations, CTE Programs) and outside the walk zone of their school.
• All of the above 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.

When will my eligible high school student receive the Student Go To Pass?

• For the 2021-22 school year, eligible students can pick up their GTC 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 between 6 am and 8 pm, Monday through Friday. Students will need to identify themselves to the driver as an MPS student.

If I have specific questions concerning my student’s Go To Pass 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.