Transit Assistance Program (TAP)

Ride for $1 with the Transit Assistance Program (TAP)

The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to make public transit more affordable for people with lower incomes. TAP provides a year-long reduced fare pass on a Go-To Card. Customers can use a bus or train for just $1 per ride – even during rush hour – with a 2½ hour transfer.

TAP customer riding transit.

Signing up is easy!

  1. Apply or renew online or at one of our locations
  2. Show an identity document with your name and address and an Accepted Document (see below) to show that you meet the income guidelines
  3. Once approved, Metro Transit will add the discount pass to a new Go-To card or your existing card – then just add value and go!

How to add value to your TAP card

  • Online with a credit card
  • By phone at 612-373-3333 with a credit card
  • By mail with a credit card or check. Call 612-373-3333 for a mail order form
  • At rail ticket machines with cash or credit card
  • Automatically from a credit card. Sign up at metrotransit.org/AutoRefill
  • At one of our Transit Facilities (see below)
  • Search near your location for an authorized retailer
    ​

Using your TAP card

To activate the discount, add money to your TAP card and go! Go-To Cards with a TAP pass have all the same benefits of any Go-To Card – like storing transfers and balance protection. Customers have access to the $1 fare for a full year after the first use. The discounted price is not valid on Metro Mobility or Transit Link buses. The TAP discount is valid toward $3.25 toward Northstar fares. TAP riders also receive a discounted $2.50 fare on SW Prime, but must purchase a 10-ride pass from SouthWest Transit. Customers can renew their TAP pass after one year if still eligible.

Apply for TAP in person or online

Apply or renew online: metrotransit.org/tap-enrollment-form

In person: We accept many forms of ID – that includes a driver's license, state ID, lease, utility bill, school ID, and many others. See the full list below. U.S. citizenship is NOT required to participate in the Transit Assistance program.

Transit Facilities

  • Burnsville Transit Station – 100 Highway 13, Burnsville | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Minneapolis Metro Transit Service Center – 719 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.  
  • St. Paul Metro Transit Service Center – US Bank Center Skyway 101 E. 5th Street, St. Paul | 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. & noon - 3:30 p.m.
  • SouthWest Transit Station – 13500 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie | 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Enrollment Events

Metro Transit staff work with community organizations to help sign up qualified customers for TAP at events.

TAP Distribution Partners

Community organizations can apply to distribute TAP Go-To Cards directly to their program participants. Get more details for organizations on how to become a TAP partner. 

Quick Tips

If your pass is lost or stolen: Contact Customer Relations at 612-373-3333.

If your pass doesn’t work: It may have expired. Your TAP Go-To Card is active for one year, so you may need to renew. Each time you use the reader to pay your fare, the TAP discount date will be displayed. You can also check both the expiration and your balance online or by calling Customer Relations at 612-373-3333.

Your Go-To Card will temporarily place your funds on hold if unused for 28 days. This can affect any Go-To Card, not just one with a TAP pass. Touch it to a card reader and the computer system will reactivate the funds 24 hours later.

Accepted Documents:

Identity

  • Driver's license, state ID, or learner’s permit issued by any state
  • Passport
  • Military or Veteran ID
  • Tribal ID
  • Student ID
  • Bill, account, or start-of-service statement for:
    • Phone, TV, or internet
    • Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas, or water
    • Banking or credit card
    • Rent or mortgage
  • Residential lease or rent agreement
  • Employment Authorization Document
  • Current student fee statement

Income

EBT / WIC

STATE ASSISTANCE

HOUSING & HOMELESS

HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS

MISCELLANEOUS

Check back for a growing list of approved certificates.

FAQs

Q. What about other members of my family? Do they qualify?

  • Family members listed on an approved document will qualify.
  • Children 5 years old and under ride for free. No ID is required.
  • People ages 6-12 years old and 65 and older qualify for a Reduced Fare card that is valid for 10 years or until a youth’s 13th birthday. You can order those when you stop by our Service Centers or mail in a photocopy of an ID card. This Reduced Fare discount does not apply during rush hour. People in those age ranges with lower incomes may want to apply for TAP.
  • Persons with disabilities may apply for a Limited Mobility card that is valid for 10 years. This provides a $1 ride just like TAP. Call for an enrollment packet or get one here. 

Q. How do I renew my TAP pass after my year is up?

Your TAP discount will end 365 days after the first use. If you still meet the income requirements you can re-enroll up to two months before expiration. Customers can renew online, at a Transit Service Center (see above), or through a partner organization. You will need to bring both an accepted identity and income document

Q. What’s going on with my online application or renewal?

You should receive confirmation that your online application was submitted by email. You may also receive requests for new information or corrections. A short email will explain the problem and include a link where you can revise your application. When your application is approved, you’ll get an email notification of that as well.

If you haven’t received any of these you may have a typo in your email address or you may need to look in your spam or junk mail folders. Call 612-373-3333 to inquire or simply resubmit with the correct information.

Q. How do I know when my discount will end?

Each time you use the reader to pay your fare, the TAP discount date will be displayed. You can also check both the expiration and your balance online.

For Organizations

Interested in being a distributor of TAP in your community?

Details for organizations on how to become a TAP partner.

TAP partners