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GO Pass

The GO Pass is available for eligible seniors or persons with disabilities. The pass allows eligible riders unlimited rides on MCTS buses for $2 per day.

All GO Pass recipients must be a Milwaukee County resident and meet one of the following conditions:

  • Must be over the age of 65 and currently receiving Medicaid or FoodShare benefits; or
  • For residents under 65:
    • Must be receiving Social Security income through SSI or SSDI, or have a Veterans Disability designation; and
    • Must receive Medicaid benefits or FoodShare benefits.

Starting August 2, 2021, eligible people can sign up for the GO Pass at the Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Centers (1220 W Vliet St, 3rd floor) between the hours of 9am and 2pm, Monday thru Friday. 

Reduced Fare

Riders who do not qualify for the GO Pass may be eligible for the MCTS Reduced Fare of $1.10 a ride, $11 for a 7-Day Pass, or $32 for a 31-Day Pass. The easiest way to use the Reduced Fare program is to get an MCTS Reduced Fare Card at the MCTS Administration Building (1942 N 17th St, Milwaukee) between the hours of 9am and 2pm, Monday thru Friday. 

GO Pass Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive a GO Pass?

As of January 17, 2017, all GO Pass recipients must be a Milwaukee County resident and meet one of the following conditions:

  1. Must be over the age of 65 and currently receiving Medicaid or FoodShare benefits; or
  2. For residents under 65: a. Must be receiving Social Security income through SSI or SSDI, or have a Veterans Disability designation; and b. Must receive Medicaid benefits including traditional Medicaid, EBD Medicaid, long-term care through Medicaid, or participate in a Medicare Savings program.

If you believe you meet one of these conditions but are not currently receiving Medicaid Benefits, FoodShare Benefits or participating in a Medicaid Savings program, you can call – 414-289-5800.

 

Where can I get a GO Pass?

Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Centers (1220 W Vliet St, 3rd floor) between the hours of 9am and 2pm, Monday thru Friday. 

 

When does the pass expire?

The pass will expire four years from your birth month.

Example, if you are born in August and got the pass in 2017 – the pass will expire September 1, 2021. 

 

How do I renew my GO Pass?

To renew your card, you will need to visit the Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Centers (1220 W Vliet St, 3rd floor) between the hours of 9am and 2pm, Monday thru Friday. 

The GO Pass processing fee for a renewal is $5.00. If you have questions about the GO Pass, please call 414-289-5800 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

* Important note: You must renew your GO Pass one week before it expires.*

 

Do I still need a red and blue Reduced Fare M•CARD and my Reduced Fare ID Card?

If you DO live in Milwaukee County you will no longer need to use your red and blue Reduced Fare M•CARD or Reduced Fare ID Card to receive a discount on board MCTS buses. Note: You will need to bring your Reduced Fare ID Card with you when you apply for your GO Pass.

If you DO NOT live in Milwaukee County you will NOT be eligible for the GO Pass and you will still need your blue and red Reduced Fare M•CARD and Reduced Fare ID Card to receive a discount on MCTS buses.

 

Can I pay for others to ride with my GO Pass?

No. Your GO Pass only allows payment for you, the cardholder, on board MCTS buses. Any additional fares will need to be paid with another form of accepted payment.

 

How does it work?

On your first bus of the day, do not simply tap your card. Please show your GO Pass and advise them that you need an all day pass. The operator will then instruct you how to proceed. 

 

What do I do if my GO Pass gets lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, please contact MCTS M•CARD Services at (414) 937-0470 so that your card can be blocked. You will then need to come to the Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Centers (1220 W Vliet St, 3rd floor) to receive a replacement pass. If the GO Pass is misplaced or damaged, the pass holder is eligible to receive up to three replacement passes for a fee. The cost associated with each replacement pass is as follows:

Cards Issued  Cost
Original $5.00
1st Replacement $10.00
2nd Replacement $25.00
3rd Replacement (FINAL) Ineligible indefinitely if lost or damaged $50.00

 

What kind of photo identification do I need to receive a GO Pass?

Options for a government Issued photo ID include, but may not be limited to:

  • A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended (expired or current)
  • A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card (expired or current)
  • Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service (expired or current)
  • A U.S. passport (expired or current)
  • A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date at which it is presented (current only)
  • A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 60 days – current only)
  • An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 60 days – current only)
  • An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (current only)
  • A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains the following (current only):
    • Date of Issuance
    • Signature of Student
    • Expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance
    • The university or college ID must be accompanied by a separate document that proves enrollment

 

What if my government issued photo ID does not include my current address?

Applicants can prove Milwaukee County residency with the following documentation that MUST include the applicant’s name and current Milwaukee County address:

Printed electronic copies are acceptable for the following items:

  • Paycheck, stub or earning statement with your employer's name and address issued within the last 90 days
  • A utility bill for water, gas, electricity, cable, internet or land-line telephone service issued within the last 90 days
  • Mobile phone bills issued in the last 90 days
    • An account statement from a bank/financial institution or brokerage house issued within the last 90 days

The following documents must be originals (no electronic copies):

  • Deed/title, mortgage, rental/lease agreement for Wisconsin property (lease must include landlord's name and phone number)
  • Current valid homeowner's, renter's or motor vehicle insurance policy dated within one year of application
  • Government-issued correspondence or product issued from a federal, state, county or city agency (original or certified copy issued within the last year). Not acceptable are the Quest and Forward card
  • Valid Wisconsin hunting or fishing license
  • Department of Corrections documentation: Letters from probation/parole agents on letterhead issued within the last 90 days
  • Certified school record or transcript identifying the person by name and current address and issued within the last 90 days (and for most recent school period)
  • College enrollment documentation or Form 2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status) with a current Wisconsin address
  • A photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university, college or technical college that contains the following:
    • Date of issuance
    • Photo and address of student
    • Expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance
  • Employee photo ID card issued by current employer
  • Homeless shelter documentation
  • Wisconsin driver license or ID card (can be expired) with current Wisconsin residence address printed on product
  • Parent or guardian may present their Wisconsin driver license or ID. Address on record must match with the child’s current address on record for people under age 26

What if I have questions about my GO Pass?

If you have questions about the GO Pass, please call 414-289-5800 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

GO Pass Terms and Conditions
  • Misuse, fraud or selling of the GO Pass is not allowed
  • Allowing others to use your GO Pass is prohibited
  • The front of the GO Pass ID must be shown to the driver after touching the farebox upon every boarding and upon request
  • Use and possession is conditioned on compliance with the transit agencies’ agreements and policies, laws, ordinances, regulations and tariffs
  • Riders are expected to be courteous to other passengers and MCTS Bus Operators and staff
  • Riders are expected to follow all MCTS Rules for Riders
  • The GO Pass is subject to all standard MCTS Terms and Conditions

Violators of any of the above Terms and Conditions can be subject to legal action and can have their GO Pass confiscated and blocked for future use. Violators may also be permanently ineligible to receive another GO Pass or ride an MCTS bus. 

GO Pass Appeals Procedures

GO Pass clients who have been indefinitely or permanently suspended from the GO Pass Program due to violation of the GO Pass terms and conditions may appeal their suspension within 30 days of being notified of suspension from the program. Clients wishing to appeal should include the reason(s) they disagree with the decision to remove them from the GO Pass Program as well as any evidence to support their reasoning. MCTS will evaluate the circumstances that led to the appellant’s suspension from the program. MCTS’s decision will be final and will be provided to the individual submitting the appeal in writing within a period of 45 days of receipt of the appeal. All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Director of Paratransit Services at:

Milwaukee County Transit System
Transit Plus Office
1942 N 17th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205