For many individuals across the metro area, accessing essential resources is a daily challenge, not due to lack of availability, but due to transportation barriers. Financial constraints often limit access to reliable and affordable transportation, hindering their ability to reach crucial services and opportunities. This is where the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) steps in, and where your organization can become a vital bridge as Tap Partners.
Understanding the Transit Assistance Program (TAP)
The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) is fundamentally designed to make public transportation within reach for individuals with lower incomes. TAP provides access to a reduced fare pass loaded onto a Go-To Card, enabling users to utilize buses and trains for just $1 per ride, including a 2½ hour transfer window. This represents a significant saving, offering at least a 50% discount on standard fares.
How TAP Works for Individuals
Go-To Cards utilized within the TAP program maintain the familiar appearance and functionality of standard Go-To Cards. They offer the same benefits, such as stored transfers and balance protection, ensuring ease of use and privacy for TAP users. Once activated with the TAP pass, the $1 fare is valid for a full year from the first use. Eligible participants can easily renew their pass up to two months prior to its expiration, ensuring continuous access to affordable transit.
It’s important to note that the discounted TAP fare is not applicable on Metro Mobility or Transit Link buses. A partial discount is available on Northstar fares.
The Power of Partnership: Why Become a TAP Partner?
Your community organization plays a pivotal role in connecting individuals with vital resources. By becoming tap partners, you can directly distribute TAP passes to those who need them most. The partnership is entirely free, and the program guidelines are streamlined to ensure a simple, fast, and efficient process for integrating this valuable resource into your existing client services.
Community tap partners are essential to the program’s success. You become key advocates, spreading awareness about the benefits of reduced fares throughout the region. Your trusted staff and volunteers can seamlessly incorporate TAP into the support services you already provide, making it easier for clients to access affordable transportation alongside other assistance.
Currently, over half a million residents in the metro area are eligible for TAP, yet only a small percentage are enrolled. By becoming tap partners, you can help bridge this gap, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from affordable transit. This access can significantly ease tight budgets, enabling individuals to reach jobs, grocery stores, pharmacies, housing, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities – all essential components of a healthy and stable life.
Who Can Benefit from TAP? Eligibility Criteria
Individuals meeting specific income criteria are eligible for the TAP reduced fare. Eligibility extends to those with income levels at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Additionally, individuals supported by organizations enrolled in the Eligible Community Organization (ECO) program also qualify. For 2024, 50% of the AMI for a family of four is $62,100.
Tap partners can verify income eligibility through several methods:
- Direct Verification: Examining documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, or utilizing income verification software.
- Indirect Verification: Accepting a range of approved documents, including an EBT card, Medical Assistance card, or affordable housing voucher. A comprehensive list of accepted documents is available at metrotransit.org/TAP.
Applicants are also required to present a photo ID or alternative forms of identification, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, as proof of identity. US citizenship is not a requirement for TAP eligibility.
Joining Forces: How to Become a TAP Partner
Ready to empower your community by becoming tap partners? Contact TAP coordinator Andrea at [email protected] to schedule a brief call or meeting to discuss the partnership process and assess if TAP aligns with your organization’s goals. When you are prepared to move forward, complete and submit the Partner Application and Partnership Agreement.
Upon approval, you will receive detailed instructions and training on card distribution and program administration. The TAP Coordinator will arrange a concise training session for your staff to ensure seamless program implementation.
Thank you for considering partnering with Metro Transit as tap partners. Together, we can make a significant impact by expanding access to affordable transit and empowering individuals within our community.
