The Metro Transit Transit Assistance Program (TAP) was created to assist economically disadvantaged residents with reduced fare. The program allows its customers to ride the bus or train for $1 per ride.
Qualified individuals may apply online or at one of their locations throughout the Twin Cities. Once approved, Metro Transit will add the discount pass to a new Go-To card or your existing card.
The application process requires a photo ID card or utility statement with your name and address and an accepted document. If you are currently experiencing homelessness or residing in temporary housing, please contact any of the organizations listed under our support services tab to see if they may provide assistance with documentation. Family members may qualify if documented as a qualified household member on any of the approved documents listed on the Metro Transit website.
How long is this valid for?
Qualified individuals 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. Additionally, only a partial discount is applied on Northstar fares. You may renew your tap pass after a year if you still meet the eligibility requirements.
Small Sums provides transportation assistance to individuals who are homeless. They provide monthly bus passes with unlimited rides for individuals who qualify for their program.
Who is eligible?
In order to be eligible for the program, you must be experiencing one or more of the following: residing in a shelter, temporarily housed, living in street or vehicle, transitional housing or sober housing. Qualified individuals should have a verifiable job offer or have started a new position in the last two months (Employment requirement are a minimum of 25 hours per week.) OR, have completed requirements for professional licensing, registration, or certification or need assistance with fees.
Individuals listed on lease, correctional halfway house, Section 8, other permanent public housing, living with parents, living with spouse who has lease do not qualify for the program.
Minnesota Recreation Development Inc (MRD) provides individuals experiencing homelessness and or financial hardship with bus tokens for travel throughout the twin cities. Through their Samaritans Outreach Program, tokens are also distributed on an as needed basis to low income individuals attending job interviews, medical or counseling appointments.
Interfaith Outreach provides reliable financial help for emergency car repairs, bus passes, gas certificates and car payments for low income residents throughout the state of Minnesota. Additionally, volunteer drivers of the Interfaith Outreach Programs provide rides to individuals living in Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata.
CAP-HC's car repair program provides assistance to Hennepin County residents with high cost vehicle repairs. Visit their website for current eligibility requirements.