Metro Transit riders who qualify have a new place to visit to quickly and easily access savings on their bus and light rail trips.
They can now enroll in TAP, the Transit Assistance Program, at the City of Minneapolis Service Center located at 505 S. 4th Avenue. It is on the skyway level of the Minneapolis Public Service Center that is adjacent to Minneapolis City Hall, the Hennepin County Government Center and the Government Center Plaza transit stop on the Blue Line.
“We’ve made it as convenient as we could,” said Breanna Phelps, operations manager of the Minneapolis Service Center. “People can come in, bring in their documentation and fill out an application. We can look at it then and there and approve them on the spot.”
Lower income riders enrolled in TAP pay a discounted $1 for all Metro Transit fares, whether on buses, express buses or light rail trains. The lower $1 fare is even applied to rush hour trips.
“This partnership with Metro Transit was started as a legislative directive from the Minneapolis City Council. They asked us to provide this service as a real benefit that can support people in every ward of our city and beyond,” Phelps said.
Metro Transit currently collaborates with some 140 social service agencies and nonprofit partners that help to enroll low income people who qualify for TAP savings.
By joining the roster of partners this summer, the City of Minneapolis has become Metro Transit’s largest community partner; it’s reach is expected to expand the number of people who learn about TAP and sign up for the savings.
“Everyone is aware that housing costs have gone through the roof. What might be surprising is transportation comes right after housing in the share of the budget it takes for lower income families, even more than groceries and health care,” said Andrea Kiepe, TAP coordinator.
“Metro Transit is already a good deal. If we can lower the cost even further for people in that tight spot, let’s do it,” she added.
TAP allows lower income riders to load the discounted fares directly onto their Go To card. Once people qualify, those savings last for a family for a full year.
To enroll, participants need to provide proof of identity—a driver’s license, state ID or the same documents required for same day voting, such as a utility bill or lease. They can prove their income with eligibility documents including a tax return, pay stub, or with proof they qualify to use programs like EBT, WIC or Medical Assistance.
TAP is available to those who earn below 50% of the area median income. This allows people who live on tight budgets but make too much to receive social benefits to qualify for the TAP savings to make transportation more affordable.
“Everyone has heard that story about a friend, a cousin who is working as a dishwasher or at a warehouse and are just getting by. They don’t have to be destitute to get a discount they can really use,” Kiepe said.
Applicants can also apply online at www.metrotransit.org/TAP or at transit centers around the Twin Cities.
Although the Minneapolis Service Center is a central hub for city services and located in downtown Minneapolis, applicants do not have to be Minneapolis residents in order to seek help and enroll there.
“We are glad to help anyone who comes in. It’s convenient for a lot of people who might be downtown for work or other business,” Phelps said. “It’s a great opportunity to provide a valuable and important service for the entire community. This is really special for us!”
The Minneapolis Service Center
505 S. 4th Ave/Skyway Level
Open Monday-Thursday 8:00 am to 4 pm
Friday 9 am to 4 pm