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Be a GO901 Smart Rider!

Every smart rider needs a GO901 Smart Card OR the GO901 app.

Smart Cards

  • GO901 Smart Cards are available at one of MATA’s three (3) transit centers at the Ticket Vending Machines or at the Customer Service window.

  • The GO901 smart card is a reusable and reloadable card that is part of MATA’s New Fare System. The smart card can be used for up to 5 years from the date of issue.

  • Once onboard, you can tap and go!

  • IMPORTANT: Register your card by clicking here and entering the requested information.

GO901 App

  • Look for the GO901 app in the app store on your phone.

  • Manage your MATA customer account.

  • Buy tickets and passes.

  • Once onboard, scan your phone and go!

How To Videos

How To Reload With Cash

How To Check Balance

How To Reload With Debit / Credit Card

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GO901 Smart Card?

The GO901 Smart Card is a reusable and reloadable smart card that is part of MATA’s new Next Generation Fare Collection System. The GO901 smart card can be used for up to 5 years from the date of issue. Like a modern credit card, the GO901 card contains technology that allows the validators on board MATA’s vehicles, and tap readers on MATA’s ticket vending machines, to scan and read the GO901 smart cards. GO901 smart cards should not be damaged and must be treated with care not to bend, punch holes in or physically damage the cards in any way. MATA is not responsible for any damaged cards due to mishandling.

What type of fares can I purchase on the Go901 Smart Card?

Customers can load funds (stored value) onto GO901 smart cards for use on MATA buses, trolleys, and MATAplus vehicles. (GO901 smart cards are currently not available for use on Ready! or Groove On-Demand.) Customers using the GO901 mobile app can continue to use the app to make their purchases. The GO901 smart card is just another flexibile, safe, and more convenient way for our customers to pay their fare. 

How do I use the GO901 Smart Card?

Just tap your Smart card on the onboard validator on a MATA vehicle and the correct fare for that ride will automatically be deducted from your preloaded funds . Easily check your Smart card balance by selecting the “check balance” button on any ticket vending machine and tapping your smart card on the GO901 card reader. After you have registered your account, you can manage your account, and view your smart card balance in the customer portal found at www.go901transit.com.

Can I still pay my fare with cash?

Yes, at this time, you can still pay with cash on MATA fixed route, trolley, and paratransit vehicles. You may also have some of the existing passes/tickets that you’re used to using on the fareboxes. MATA will be accepting these tickets for a period of time, so you will want to use any remaining passes/tickets you have as soon as possible. MATA will post on their website, and at all transit centers, when these passes/tickets will no longer be accepted, so be sure to watch for this information.

Do I need to register my GO901 smart card to use it?

No, you don’t need to register your card to use it. However, there are many benefits you will receive, if you register your card. Only registered GO901 smart card accounts are eligible to receive balance protection. Balance protection  means if your card is lost or stolen, you can report your card as lost/stolen, and any funds that are on your account from the time you report your card will be protected, and you will be able to transfer those funds to a new card. To get this feature, you must register your card to create an account.

What are the other benefits of registering my GO901 smart card?

Besides balance protection, registered accounts also have online access to manage payment sources, set up auto loads to fund your account automatically, and view your smart card balance and history.

How do I register my GO901 smart card account online?

To register your smart card visit www.go901transit.com and click on the Login/Sign Up icon. Complete the registration form and you will be directed to the main portal menu. Tap the My GO901 Cards link and register your new GO901 smart card using the serial number in the top left hand corner on the back of the card and the Security Code in the top middle of the card. Complete the required information and your account is registered!

What if I am a reduced fare rider or a MATAplus rider?

All eligible reduced fare riders will still be able to access reduced fares or MATAplus fares by using your registered GO901 smart card . You will need to submit the proper eligibility forms as outlined on MATA’s website www.matatransit.com. Once approved, you will be able to register your card as a reduced fare/MATAplus card and have your photo taken on your new GO901 card. You may visit any of MATA’s transit centers to assist you in having your photo taken on your new card.

Can anyone use my GO901 card?

No, GO901 Smart cards are non-transferrable. Each person needs their own GO901 Smart card, GO901 Smart cards cannot be shared. You cannot pay for anyone else with your card.

Does my Child need his/her own card?

Per MATA policy, 3 children under the age of 5 traveling with each fare paying adult, can ride for free. Children must be accompanied by adults who already have a ticket purchased.  Anyone over the age of 5 will need their own GO901 card.

How do I load money on my GO901 Smart card?

There are a number of ways to load money onto your GO901 Smart card. Once you register your card account on-line, you can add funds  to your account using a credit/debit card. You can also visit customer service or a new MATA ticket vending machine and use cash or credit/debit to add funds to your GO901 card. Coming soon, MATA will be adding a network of retail stores where customers will be able to purchase and reload their GO901 cards. This list of retailers will be available on MATA’s website. 

Is there a minimum/maximum amount that I can load onto my GO901 card?

The minimum amount varies depending on where you are adding funds to your account. You can add as little as .50 cents in cash at a MATA customer service counter or at one of MATA’s ticket vending machines. The maximum value that can be carried on a GO901 Smart card at any time is $200 dollars.

Can I set up auto-load on my account so I don’t need to worry about running out of funds on my GO901 card?

Yes, you can go to your customer portal at www.go901transit.com to set up autoload on your account. Autoload works with your stored value on your account. Be sure to select My GO901 cards, or MyGO901 mobile account depending on if you want to set up autoload for your mobile account or your GO901 Smart card account. You will see selections located under the AUTOLOAD section that allow you the ability to manage the dollar amount you would like your account to replenish funds at once it reaches a low balance or “Auto Threshold” amount.

How much does a GO901 card cost?

GO901 cards are $2 dollars from MATA customer service and ticket vending machines. GO901 accounts that sit dormant (are not used) for more than 12 months will incur a $1 a year service fee.

How much do reduced fare ID’s cost and where can I have my ID made?

After you have your GO901 Smart card, there is a $3 dollar fee for the ID printing. Transit IDs will now be printed right on the GO901 card, so be sure to have it with you when you go to the transit center. ID’s can now be made at any of MATA’s three transit centers: William Hudson Transit Center, American Way, or Airway Transit Center. For further information on reduced fares and ID’s, contact MATA Customer Service at 901-523-8134. MATAplus IDs will continue to be made at the MATAplus Assessment Center. For further information contact the MATAplus Assessment Center at 901-322-4080.

What are the 3 new types of fare media that MATA is using in the new fare system in addition to the GO901 mobile app?

  • Secure Paper Tickets – used for single rides and media is issued free of charge 
  • Smart Tickets – used for Day passes and media is issued at fee of .50 cents per ticket 
  • Smart Cards – reusable and reloadable for 5 years, media is issued for $2 dollars. If you are a frequent rider, this is the best way to ride on the MATA system. 

What information do I need to create an account?

To create an account, you will need to provide your first name, last name, email, telephone, create a password and agree to the app terms.