New Metro Transit fare product offered to high schools
As the new school year starts, Metro Transit is marketing a new unlimited-ride transit pass for high schoolers in the Twin Cities.
Called the Student Pass, it is available to high schools in the metropolitan area with five or more participants. So far, 16 metro-area schools, including six Minneapolis public schools, have signed up for the program.
The pass uses Go-To Card technology and is valid on buses and trains. Additional fare is required if students ride Northstar or any route with a fare higher than $3.
Schools pay $87.50 per quarter for each Student Pass. To use the pass, students must agree to Metro Transit’s code of conduct.
Four schools participate in pilot program
Modeled after the popular College Pass program, the Student Pass was tested by four high schools last year, said Customer Services and Marketing Director Bruce Howard.
“We had great feedback, and schools liked how easy it was to administer the program,” he said.
Passes are available only to students whose high schools are participating in the Student Pass program. Schools may sign up by contacting Metro Transit.
There soon may be another fare product for high school students. Metro Transit is testing a new fare payment card called the 10-Ride Card for Students. It is a disposable paper card that uses Go-To Card technology.
The card, available for high schools participating in a demonstration program, has a fare value of $2.25. Customers must pay with cash if they board a route with a higher fare; the 10-Ride Card for Students doesn’t hold stored value.