GoTo Pass becomes the “go-to” play
-- Torleif Sorenson
Thanks to funds allocated by the Student Senate, with matching funds from Metropolitan State University administration, Metro Transit’s “GoTo College Pass” cards are now available to Metropolitan State students at a reduced rate —$80 as of this writing. Judging from brisk sales in September at the Founders Hall cashier window, the popularity of the GoTo College Pass has skyrocketed, and is worth your consideration if you don’t already have your card
But even at full price, cardholders have found the GoTo College Pass a genuine bargain.
The driving force
During 2007-08 winter term, only ten students (this writer included) plunked down $150, the university’s cost per card from Metro Transit, for a GoTo College Pass.
As fall term began, the Student Senate became the “driving force” behind subsidies of the GoTo College Pass. Murtuza Siddiqui, the University’s Associate Vice President of Financial Management and Acting Vice President of Finance & Administration, explains that the Student Senate deserves the credit for voting to provide $35 for each GoTo Pass, with the university administration contributing a matching amount. Mr. Siddiqui says that as a result, “the demand for the GoTo Pass was significantly higher than we anticipated.”
In fact, the card sales have increased more than five-fold as of this writing. Mr. Siddiqui cautions that there are no guarantees of continuing subsidies, and the price of a GoTo Pass may rise slightly as a result of across-the-board fare increases by Metro Transit on Oct. 1. But even if a price hike occurs, the GoTo Pass is still quite the bargain.
The concept…
…is ridiculously simple. Metro Transit’s GoTo College Pass is valid through the fall semester and expires on Dec. 31. Upon purchase, your GoTo card (equipped with an RFID chip) gets you easy and fast access to all Metro Transit routes any time, day or night, including the Hiawatha light rail line in Minneapolis, as well as other services that include the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), Southwest Transit, and the Anoka County Traveler.
Why, where, and when you get on board—commuting to work, getting to classes at Metropolitan State, heading for the Metrodome, or Christmas shopping at Mall of America—does not matter. The GoTo College Pass eliminates the need to carry cash for bus fare, worrying about transfer slips and when they expire, extra fare for Express routes during rush hour… in short, the GoTo College Pass just simply works.
Getting there
Metro Transit’s web site includes Trip Planner (set your browser to allow MetroTransit.org cookies), which allows you to plan trips to and from specific street addresses and major landmarks throughout the metropolitan area. Just input the date and time of your desired departure or arrival and an allowable walking distance, and Trip Planner takes care of the rest. You can also download and save route schedules and system maps in PDF format.
For example, if you are like me and planning a trip (or three!) to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley this fall, Trip Planner will give you several options of when and where to be, right down to the times that MVTA Route 440 and 441 buses serve the Zoo.
Use it in a pinch
When my bicycle’s front tire pinch-flatted on me one early May Saturday morning in Nokomis Park, I simply walked to the 46th Street Transit Station, used my GoTo card to hop on the Hiawatha light rail line, and got to my favorite bicycle shop for a few repairs.
All trains and buses are equipped with bicycle racks, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re on two feet or two wheels: The GoTo College Pass allows you to go virtually anywhere in the metropolitan area (including Metropolitan State) without having to carry a stash of cash.
With higher gas prices and burdensome gas taxes accompanied by numerous (and badly-needed) road construction projects, many people are increasingly leaving their cars at home, and relying on Metro Transit to do the driving.
And if you’re flying out of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, the Route 54 bus or Hiawatha line can save you time, hassle, and parking costs.
Getting carded
This part is almost as simple as getting on the bus: The GoTo College Pass is available from the third-floor cashier window in Founders Hall, at Metropolitan State’s main campus in St. Paul. As of now, payment can be made in cash or with your VISA or MasterCard. Even if you have waited until now, the GoTo College Pass can still pay for itself well before it expires on Dec. 31.