Minneapolis' Metro Transit to offer smart 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.
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.
More Management

LA Metro Ridership Continues Growth as Rail Gains Accelerate
New rail connections and major events help drive continued ridership gains, with Metro recording its eighth consecutive month of year-over-year rail growth.
Read More →
TransDASH Summit Focuses on Measuring What Matters in Transit
Transit agencies unveil a national performance platform designed to benchmark customer experience, safety, community value, and other outcomes.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
Read More →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.
Read More →