College and Trade School Student Reduced Fare Program

MCTA offers convenient and affordable transportation options for college and trade school students.

Student Discount Program

In addition to reduced fares, students enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools are eligible for capped fares on MCTA fixed route buses. To access the discounts and fare caps, students must register and pay with a bank card or Cash App account. All transfers are included with base price. Cash is not accepted on the bus at the student rate.

MCTA will use this website to determine if the insititution is accredited. International programs may be accepted, please contact MCTA for additional information. ESU and NCC are accredited.

Registered students can check their recent travel history and payment information using this link.

Fare Information

Fare Type Registered
Bank Card		 Cash Payment
One-Way Trip $1.30 $2.00
Daily Cap $2.60 N/A
7 Day Cap $13.00 N/A
30 Day Cap $41.60 N/A

All transfers inlcuded with fare.

Must use registered payment type to qualify for discount and cap.

How to Apply

Registration requires a two-step process.

Step One - Apply Online

Step One:
The first step is to certify school status. Use the 'Apply Online' button and complete the form with the student’s name, school information, and last four digits of the credit card to be used. Students MUST provide the email issued by their institution AND email (directions provided in webform) a current course schedule as verification of enrollment. MCTA will review each application and if verified, the student will receive a link to register their payment information.

Step Two:
The second step is to complete the payment information web form. No credit card information will be held by MCTA. All credit card information will be held by Littlepay, MCTA’s transaction processing third-party vendor. Students will be sent a link to complete the payment information from Littlepay.

Credit card numbers on the physical card will be different than those used by a digital wallet. To get the best result, use the same payment method each time - either a physical card OR the digital wallet. If you intend to use the digital wallet, please provide that number, not the physical card number.