Go-To card
| Company type | Fare payment system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis-Saint Paul , United States |
Area served | Twin Cities region |
| Products | Contactless smart card for bus, light rail, and commuter train fare payments |
The Go-To card functions as a contactless smart card designed for fare payments on buses, light rail, and commuter trains managed by Metro Transit along with other transit providers throughout the Twin Cities region. This system has contributed to quicker boarding processes and minimized damage to ticket vending machines and fare collection devices, which are susceptible to Minnesota's severe weather conditions. The Go-To card system reached full operational status in early 2007.
Challenges and postponements
Initially slated for a September 2003 debut as the nation’s first contactless smart card for public transportation, the Go-To card encountered technical obstacles that delayed its launch. The $16.4 million contract was overseen by Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc., but Metro Transit suspended payments at $9.4 million in May 2003 due to missed deadlines.
Although Cubic promoted the system as a pioneering U.S. transit smart card, other projects launched ahead because of these setbacks. Unlike conventional smart cards that require swiping or insertion, the Go-To card employs tap technology, which reduces mechanical wear and supports outdoor operation under harsh weather conditions—a critical feature for Metro Transit’s Blue Line stations.
A pilot program conducted in 2004 involving employees and selected riders showed only 20% reliability of the devices after five months. Cubic cited software complications that hindered card-reader communication and synchronization with the central system as causes for delays. Complete software functionality was not achieved until April 2005. In March 2006, Metro Transit issued a default notice demanding a corrective action plan after the system had been delayed for over two years.
The underlying technology utilizes Philips' MIFARE platform and complies with the ISO/IEC 14443 (Type A) standard.
Complete deployment
Metro Transit initiated a pilot test of the Go-To card system in November 2005 with 18,000 participants, targeting a comprehensive launch by late 2006. A subsequent trial involving 2,500 users ran from November 15, 2006, through January 31, 2007. By April 2007, Go-To cards became publicly accessible at Metro Transit outlets and select retail locations including grocery stores.
Metropass
The Metropass offers a discounted monthly transit pass valid on both trains and buses. It is typically purchased by local businesses on behalf of their employees and grants unlimited travel throughout the month.
University of Minnesota
The Metro Transit U-Pass program began in 2000, providing University of Minnesota students and staff with discounted unlimited rides during academic terms. As of Spring 2013, a mandatory transportation fee of $19 was applied. Starting in 2007, the University adopted the Go-To card for semester-based renewals lasting up to six years. For the academic year 2021-2022, the U-Pass was priced at $114. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, the U-Pass was replaced by an increase of $45 in the mandatory transportation fee, which grants all students unlimited transit access through the Universal Transit Pass program.
The Campus Zone Pass allowed registered University of Minnesota Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff to travel free between West Bank, East Bank, and Stadium Village Green Line stations. This pass was discontinued following implementation of the Universal Transit Pass program.
College Pass
The Go-To College Pass grants eligible college students unlimited access to bus and train services throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul region each semester at a reduced cost. Participating colleges and universities consist of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Augsburg University, Bethel University, Concordia University, Hamline University, Macalester College, Metropolitan State University, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, St. Catherine University, University of St. Thomas, among others. Following the introduction of universal transit passes for all students, ridership at Augsburg and Macalester experienced nearly a twofold increase.
METRO Green Line Grand Opening
Exclusive Go-To Cards were released in anticipation of the METRO Green Line inauguration, which links downtown Minneapolis with St. Paul.
MLB All Star Week 2014
Special edition All-Star Week Go-To Cards, loaded with $20 in stored fare, were available for purchase online, at Metro Transit Service Centers, and The Minneapolis Convention Center.
LGBTQ+ Pride 2023
During the 2023 Twin Cities Pride Festival, Go-To Cards were both sold at Metro Transit Service Centers and handed out at the event.