New program offers lifeline for low-income public transit riders

Public transportation for many isn't just a bus or a train line, it's a lifeline.

So when Metro Transit announced earlier this year that they would be raising prices, people were understandably upset. For those who use the service, oftentimes every dollar counts.

But to ease the hit low-income Twin Cities residents take on public transit, a pilot program opened up this spring to provide assistance for 2,600 people to purchase passes, dropping the price to $1 a ride.

Now, the Transportation Assistance Program is being opened up to everyone who meets certain income requirements, or qualifies for an EBT card, food stamps or reduced school lunches, among other things.

"You got to think a quarter is going to add up," Reece Carpenter, a regular transit rider, said  "Like they say, a dollar is a dollar, but it's hard."

A special early signup runs Friday at the downtown Minneapolis Transit Service Center on Marquette Avenue, with signup starting next week at the service center in St. Paul.

For more information about the program, click here.