Minneapolis Public Schools is pleased to announce that it is expanding it’s Go-To Card Program in fall 2012 to include eligible high school students at Edison, Henry, North, Roosevelt, Washburn, Wellstone and Expanded Option students at Southwest.  Other eligible high school students at Southwest and South will join the program in the fall of 2013. We are excited about this opportunity and continuing its success. 

What is the Go-to Card program?

• A Go-To Card is a durable, plastic pre-paid fare card that allows for unlimited rides on city buses and light rail to and from school instead of riding the traditional yellow school bus.  The cards can be used after school hours for other student activities.
• Students may also use their Go-To Cards for extracurricular activities before and after school hours.
• The Go-To Card program is an expansion of the successful Go-To Card pilot program. 

What are the benefits of the program?

• It offers students scheduling flexibility and access to a wide variety of learning opportunities in the community.  
• Students will have more opportunities to remain at school for academic programs, sports and other activities beyond the regular school day.
• Personal language-specific service will be provided by Check & Connect staff.
• The program supports improved student attendance and retention.

How do they work?

• The Go-To Cards will allow student users to ride the bus or train from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Who is eligible?

• All transportation-eligible students who attend Edison, Henry, North, Roosevelt, Washburn, Wellstone and Expanded Option students at Southwest.
• Students currently eligible for yellow bus transportation who live within the attendance zone and outside the school walk zone. 
• Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.
• Students who attend a high school outside of their attendance zone and are not transportation eligible will not be eligible for a Go-To Card.  
• Go-To Cards will be available for sale at a reduced MPS rate in August 2012.

When will my eligible high school student receive the Student Go To Pass?
Eligible students will be notified through the mail in August 2012, the same time frame as for other students. Students will need to go to their high school the week prior to school starting to pick-up their Student Go To Pass and student I.D.  At this time, students and parents will be asked to review and sign the transportation code of conduct.

If I have specific questions concerning my student’s Go To Pass or transportation route, who can I contact?
Metro Transit is adding two routes and adjusting routes and times to better serve Minneapolis Public School students.  New Metro Transit routes and route times will be available the week of August 13, 2012. Routes can be planned at http://www.metrotransit.org/. Check and Connect staff will be available to assist with route planning when students pick-up their Go To Card Pass the week prior to school starting. Students and families can also talk with Check and Connect staff at their specific high school or a bilingual staff member:

• Edison: 612.668.1300
• Henry: 612.668.2000
• North: 612.668.1700
• Roosevelt: 612.668.4800
• South: 612.668.4300
• Southwest: 612.668.3030
• Washburn: 612.668.3400
   
• Hmong: Bao Lee-Yang (Edison): 612.668.1314
• Hmong: Lucy Vue (Henry): 612.668.1948
• Somali: Mohamed Ali (Edison), 612.668.1314
• Spanish: Mario Sosa-Sol (Roosevelt): 612.668.4887
• Spanish: Jenna Otten (Washburn): 612.668.3493

What are the next steps?

• Download the flier to let others know about the program.
• Complete the School Lunch Eligibility form that will arrive by mail in July 2012.  This is critical in identifying students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and a Go-To Card.
• Attend future Go-To Card events that will review transportation safety, routes and questions.

Learn more

• View the feature on WCCO
• Read our news release
• Read our Leader Letter (and subscribe)
• Read the presentation to the parent advisory council (May 2012)