Using Go-To Cards on Northstar Link buses
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Go-To Card work?
Go-To Cards are smartcards with an embedded computer chip and antenna that is read when scanned on a reader. Go-To Cards can carry stored value of up to $400 plus up to two passes of of the same type. NOTE: Northstar Link only accepts stored value.
How do I pay my fare with a Go-To Card?
1) If you don't already have a Go-To Card, buy one at the St. Cloud Metro Bus Transit Center, Metro Transit Service Center, or online. If you already have a Go-To Card, you can use its stored value.
2) Board the Northstar Link bus.
3) Before you touch your card to the Go-To Card reader, select the correct button on the card reader mounted near the farebox.
$1 Becker
$2 St. Cloud/Big Lake
$3.25 Station-to-Station (Fridays Only)
$5.50 St. Cloud/Minneapolis (Fridays Only)
4) Touch your card to the bottom part of the Go-To Card reader.
5) Enjoy the ride!
6) Remember to touch your card to the reader on the rail platform before boarding the Northstar train. If you do not validate your ride before boarding, you can be ticketed for failure to pay your fare.
Can I use my Metropass, College Pass, monthly pass or other passes?
No. If your Go-To Card contains a pass, the pass can be used on Northstar or other Metro Transit routes, but only stored value can be used on Northstar Link.
Why do I need to validate my Go-To Card on the bus and the train?
St. Cloud Metro Bus and Metro Transit are independent agencies. For customer convenience and to streamline travel time, St. Cloud Metro Bus agreed to accept Go-To Cards as payment.
If I select an incorrect fare button, can the value be restored?
If you overpaid, you can restore value for an incorrect fare payment by calling Metro Transit Customer Relations. You cannot pay for multiple people with the same Go-To Card on Northstar Link. As a result, you don't have to worry about being charged twice for the same ride.
My card only has $1.25 left on it? Can I still ride?
We won't leave you stranded! If your Go-To Card balance is at least 25¢, but not enough to cover the entire fare, the system will allow your card to go into negative value. Once you add value to your card, we will deduct the negative amount. The maximum value a card can go negative is $3.00.
Can I add more value to my Go-To Card?
Yes, you can add value at any Northstar or METRO rail station, retail outlet, by phone, or online. Please note: purchases made at a rail ticket machine or retail outlet are available on your card instantly. Purchases made online or by phone may take up to 24 hours to reach your card.
Where can I get a Go-To Card?
At the St. Cloud Metro Bus Mobility Center, Metro Transit Service Center, retail outlet, or order online.
Do I need to register my Go-To Card with Metro Transit and how?
Registering your Go-To Card is free and provides assurance in getting a replacement Go-To Card with full value minus a $5 replacement fee.
How do I check my Go-To Card balance?
You can check your remaining Stored Value balance any time you use your Go-To Card on a reader or at a rail ticket machine. Or check it online.
What if my Go-To Card stops working?
Contact Metro Transit Customer Relations at 612-373-3333 or visit a Metro Transit Service Center.
How do I contact Metro Transit Customer Relations?
Call 612-373-3333 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Where can I check my Go-To Card transaction history?
Can't remember how many days you rode last week? You can check your ride history online.