Homeschool benefits and savings in the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area
Children ages 6-12 ride Metro Transit local buses and METRO lines in the Twin Cities for $1 at all times, half the $2 adult fare, and each fare is good for 2.5 hours. The reduced fare depends only on age, so a homeschooled child qualifies by telling the driver their age.
Who qualifies
Is 6 to 12 years old
Reduced fare covers youth ages 6-12. From age 13, riders pay the adult fare.
Tells the driver their age
No card is needed: your child can tell the driver their eligible age. You can also order a Reduced Fare Go-To Card by mail, listing the date your child turns 13.
Student ID for 10-Ride cards
The Student 10-Ride card is for K-12 students, who must carry a valid K-12 student ID and show it when asked.
What your child pays
The prices come from Metro Transit's fares page, which lists a reduced fare for youth ages 6-12 alongside the adult fare for ages 13-64.
- Local bus or METRO line, any time
- $1 (adult $2)
- Express bus, non-rush hours
- $1 (adult $2.50)
- Express bus, weekday rush hours
- $3.25
- All-day pass, until 2 a.m.
- $2 (adult $4)
- Downtown Zone ride
- 50 cents
- Student 10-Ride card (K-12)
- $15 for 10 rides
The Student 10-Ride card requires a valid K-12 student ID, so ask the Transit Information Center what ID a homeschooled student can show before you buy one.
How to ride
- Before you ride
Pick how to pay
Pay the $1 fare in cash or on a Go-To Card, or order a Reduced Fare Go-To Card by mail.
- On the bus
Tell the driver
Your child tells the driver their age to pay the reduced fare.
- For 2.5 hours
Transfer free
Each fare includes transfers for 2.5 hours, and Go-To cards add the transfer automatically when you tap.
- At age 13
Switch to the adult fare
Riders 13 to 64 pay the $2 adult fare on local buses and METRO lines.
What it includes
Included
- Local buses
- METRO light rail and bus rapid transit lines
- Express buses at the reduced fare outside rush hours
- Transfers within 2.5 hours
Not included
- Reduced fare on Express buses during rush hours
- Replacement of lost or damaged Student 10-Ride cards
- Riders age 13 and older
Who to contact about fares
Transit experts answer questions about routes, schedules, and fares Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
612-373-3333 Contact Metro Transit
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Minnesota
You must file the initial report by October 1 of the first instructional year after the child turns seven, or after establishing a new resident district. You must file within 15 days of withdrawing a child seven or older from public school, or of moving out of a district. You must file annual continuation letters by October 1 for the required ages.
Minnesota sets these rules:
- Subjects: Teach reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health, and PE. Instruction and materials are in English unless the statutory language-program exception applies.
- Testing: Annual nationally normed achievement test for ages 7–16, plus certain 16–17-year-olds first reported after age 16. Agree on the test, administration, and location with the superintendent. State-recognized accredited instruction is exempt.
- Records: Unless the accreditation exemption applies, keep schedules, materials, assessment methods, and proof of testing. Keep immunization or exemption records for five years after adulthood. File immunization statements by October 1 of the first homeschool year and grade 7.
- Teachers: A parent may teach without a degree if the assessment requirements are met. Other instructors need a qualifying license, licensed supervision, bachelor’s degree, or recognized accredited-school route.
Read the Minnesota homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Minnesota
Questions parents ask
- What does my 14-year-old pay on Metro Transit?
- $2 on local buses and METRO lines, the adult fare for riders 13-64. Express buses cost $2.50 outside rush hours and $3.25 during weekday rush hours.
- Is a Metro Transit day pass worth it?
- Only if your child takes three or more trips that each need a new fare. A reduced-fare all-day pass costs $2, equal to two $1 fares, and works on buses and light rail until 2 a.m. the next day.
- Can my homeschooled teen use the Student Pass?
- Usually not. Student Pass is issued when a high school signs up for it, such as Minneapolis or St. Paul Public Schools, so ask the Transit Information Center whether any option exists for a homeschooled student.
- Is there a cheaper fare for low-income families?
- Yes. The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) gives eligible low-income riders a $1 fare at all times, including a 2.5-hour transfer, on a registered card.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
A student fare helps with trips to classes and activities. We handle the learning at home, with lessons built around your child's interests and feedback on their work.
$149/month per child after the trial.
Find benefits for your ZIP code