Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2007
GO-TO CARDS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - (Oct. 1) - Metro Transit today announced that Go-To Cards – cards that hold bus and train fares on a computer chip – are now available at metrotransit.org.
The Go-To Card, in use since October 2005, is a durable, rechargeable fare card that instantly deducts bus and train fares when touched to a card reader. Because the transaction happens in a fraction of a second, transit customers get on the bus or train faster.
To order a Go-To Card, customers simply establish an opening value online using a credit card. Previously, Go-To Cards were available only at Metro Transit stores, at select retail outlets and by mail.
Transit customers can store up to two 31-Day Passes and up to $200 in stored value on their cards. When value runs low, customers now can recharge their cards. Customers also may continue to add value at Metro Transit stores, rail ticket machines and by mail. Recharging can be done again and again for the life of the card (approximately 10 years).
Another benefit of the Go-To Card is enhanced security. If a card is lost or stolen – provided it has been registered with Metro Transit – the customer will receive a replacement card with the value that was on the card at the time the loss was reported, minus a small administrative fee. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes.
"The Go-To Card is the go-to solution for busy commuters," said General Manager Brian Lamb. "It's accepted for regular-route service on Hiawatha light-rail trains and all regional buses, including those operated by Metro Transit and suburban providers, so wherever they go, transit customers can have convenient fare payment with them."
Go-To Card technology is already used by more than 47,000 people participating in the Metropass, U-Pass and Go-To College Pass programs.
Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. Bus and train ridership in August was 7.4 million, the highest monthly total in 25 years.
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(Editors: For information call Bob Gibbons, director of customer services, 612-349-7509 or via e-mail at robert.gibbons@metc.state.mn.us)
