Minneapolis/St. Paul's Metro Transit launched the new Ride to Rewards program, in which transit customers earn points for bus and train rides they take with a qualifying transit pass.

Points accrue on Metro Transit and suburban transit providers alike. Points can be converted to ride value or redeemed for gift cards that can be used like cash.

To earn points faster, program members can link a favorite credit or debit card to their Ride to Rewards account and earn points for purchases made at merchant partners.

"Our customers have told us the best incentive for them to take the bus or train more often is receiving credit toward future rides," said GM Brian Lamb. "Just like airline loyalty programs, Ride to Rewards gives customers a way to earn free future travel or to redeem points for gift cards," he said.

Ride to Rewards is free and open to anyone with a Go-To Card, Metropass, U-Pass, College Pass or Student Pass.

"Ride to Rewards increases transit ridership while helping local businesses better connect with frequent transit riders," said Dan Miller, president of Transit Treasure, the company that fully funds and administers the program for Metro Transit.

Transit Treasure is an Orlando, Fla.-based operator of merchant-funded loyalty rewards programs designed specifically for public transit systems and their riders.