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(Photo by Matt Wisla)
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is making significant changes to the Go Pass. Since its inception in 2014, senior citizens and persons with disabilities have been able to ride free using the Go Pass.
In April, MCTS mailed a letter to all current Go Pass holders to notify them that MCTS will be ending free rides to seniors and persons with disabilities starting June 26. From then on, eligible Go Pass riders will pay a one-time $5 fee and a daily fare of $1. The new fares and fees are expected to bring in more than $2.15 million a year, according to budget documents.
Riders must pass an initial “means test” to determine if they are eligible to receive the new Go Pass benefits. To be eligible, individuals 65 years old and older must be a Milwaukee resident receiving Medicaid or FoodShare benefits
Those under 65 years old must be receiving Social Security income through SSI or SSDI, or have a Veterans Disability designation and be receiving Medicaid or FoodShare benefits.
Riders are required to bring one of the following four documents to confirm eligibility.
- Government-issued photo ID card that includes age (65 and over) and proves residency in Milwaukee County.
- A copy of a Medicare card and a government-issued photo ID that proves residency in Milwaukee County.
- Doctor’s statement describing the nature of the disability on professional letterhead or a prescription form AND a government issued photo ID card that proves residency in Milwaukee County. (The treating physician or a Wisconsin Medical Licensed health care provider must complete and sign the second page of the application.)
- An existing MCTS-issued Reduced Fare card and proof of residency in Milwaukee County.
Riders must go to the Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Centers at 1220 W. Vliet St. to fill out the initial means test application. They are encouraged to complete the application in advance and can download it here.
MCTS estimates that 11,000 of the 26,000 Go Pass holders will have their passes deactivated because of failure to pass the initial means test.
Those riders who fail the means test have other options for reduced fares.
All riders ages 6-11, 65 and over or with qualifying disabilities will be able to choose between the reduced rates of $1.10 a ride, $2 for a 1-Day Pass, or $32 for a 31-Day Pass. Riders can fill out this form and bring it to MCTS at 1942 N. 17th St. to see if they have a qualifying disability.
Riders can visit any MCTS fare outlet to get a Reduced Fare M-CARD as well as to load money and passes onto the card. Click here for a list of fare outlet locations.
To clarify something.
You can still fill out GO Pass applications at MCTS until June 23rd, after that it switches to the Coggs Center.
For the latest info please visit RideMCTS.com/fares-passes/go-pass