Minneapolis' Metro Transit to offer smart cards

Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul will roll out a regional contactless fare collection system that uses radio frequency technology to deduct fares from new smart cards, called "Go-To" cards. The $17 million smart-card system, which is federally funded, will be used on buses and the Hiawatha Light Rail when service on the line starts in 2004. The new cards, featuring an embedded computer chip, are expected to improve boarding speeds when they go into use in the fall. Customers will be able to add value to the cards at various locations including three Metro Transit stores in St. Paul, Minneapolis and the Mall of America, 50 retail outlet terminals and via the Internet.