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Rep. Kraft pitches simple $35,000 link to SNAP portal to boost Metro Transit reduced‑fare enrollment
Summary
Representative Kraft proposed adding a direct link from the MN benefits (SNAP) portal to Metro Transit’s Transit Assistance Program application to boost enrollment and ridership.
Representative Kraft presented House File 1685 at an informational hearing and described a narrowly focused proposal: add a link from the MN benefits portal (where people apply for SNAP and related benefits) directly to Metro Transit’s Transit Assistance Program (TAP) application.
Kraft said TAP provides a year‑long reduced‑fare pass on a Go‑To Card that allows transit rides for $1 each and that program awareness, not program design, is the primary barrier to higher enrollment. He told the committee that about 11,500 unique users used TAP in 2024, while roughly 500,000 in the metro region are eligible. Kraft said MNIT could add the link for about $35,000 and argued even modest enrollment gains could make the integration pay for itself quickly.
Nas Nurkati, state policy lead for Move Minnesota Action, testified in support, saying outreach and placement of information where people apply for benefits would increase awareness. Metro Transit and DHS staff have discussed the idea with the sponsor, committee co‑chairs said; the item is housed in State Government for funding and MNIT implementation, and may also be scheduled for discussion in the Transportation Committee.
Members asked about fiscal effects on Metro Transit revenue and whether some benefit recipients already receive free rides through other programs (e.g., MFIP). Kraft and the testifier said Metro Transit expects an increase in ridership and revenue, and that DHS and Metro Transit collaborated on the concept. The hearing was informational; no committee action was taken.
