Public Transportation inPublic Transportation in Fargo-MoorheadFargo-Moorhead

Is operated by the Cities of Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN

Metro Area Transit (MAT) is the name of the public transportation system in Fargo-Moorhead

What kind of bus service is there?What kind of bus service is there?

Metro Area Transit (MAT) – the fixed route bus system

MAT Paratransit – Service to the door for people with disabilities who are unable to independently use MAT

What cities do What cities do MAT buses travel to?MAT buses travel to?

Fargo, ND

West Fargo, ND

Moorhead, MN

Transfers are available to Clay County Rural Transit, which serves Dilworth, MN

How many MAT How many MAT bus routes are there?bus routes are there?

11 Fargo Routes (6 night routes)

6 Moorhead Routes (2 night routes)

1 West Fargo Route

2 NDSU Campus Circulator Routes

When does MAT operate?When does MAT operate?

Monday through Friday 6:15 am to 6:45 pm

Saturdays 7:15 am to 6:45 pm

Night routes run until 10:15 pm

Who can ride MAT?Who can ride MAT?MAT is open to the general public

Anyone capable of using the system can ride (getting to the bus stop, boarding the bus, recognizing their destination, etc.)

All MAT buses are wheelchair accessible (ramp or lift)

Where do the MAT Where do the MAT buses travel?buses travel?

Most major destinations are served, including malls, schools, campuses, medical facilities, social services, etc.

Usually routes travel on major streets.

Bus schedules show maps of each City with number and color coded routes.

How do I read the Bus How do I read the Bus Schedule Map?Schedule Map?

Routes are shown on the streets they travel.

Each route is numbered and color-coded.

Arrows show the direction the bus is traveling.

Passengers are picked up on the right-hand side of the street.

How do I read How do I read the timetables?the timetables?

Major stops are shown as column headings

Read the rows from left to right

Your destination may be somewhere between columns, adjust your pick up time to the earlier column

Transfer points are shown with T

When should I be When should I be at my bus stop?at my bus stop?

Be waiting at the bus stop 5 minutes early

Set your watch to GTC time

Do the timetables change Do the timetables change in the summer?in the summer?

Times when the Moorhead buses don’t run in the summer are highlighted on the schedule

Moorhead Routes 1, 3, 4 and 5 change to hourly service mid-day in the summer, with 30 minute service during peak hours

Fargo Routes 13B and NDSU Circulator Routes 31 & 32 do not run in the summer

Do the timetables change on Do the timetables change on Saturdays?Saturdays?

For Moorhead routes, there is a separate timetable for Saturdays, and buses travel on an hourly schedule

For Fargo routes, buses don’t run during the times that are highlighted

Where do I wait for the bus?Where do I wait for the bus? You must be at a

corner or shelter Many bus stops are

signed If there are no

corners, wait in a driveway (example: cul de sac)

On Moorhead Routes 1 and 2, you MUST be at a Bus Stop Sign

How do I signal the bus to How do I signal the bus to stop and pick me up?stop and pick me up?

Wave to the bus as it approaches

If at a shelter, step outside and wave

Wheelchair users stay back 5’ to allow room for the ramp.

What should I do asWhat should I do asI board the bus?I board the bus?

Wait for others to exit first.

Enter and pay your fare (ask for a transfer slip if needed)

Front seats are reserved for elderly & disabled if needed

Accessible ramps/lifts are on all buses

The MAT driver can kneel (lower) the bus upon request

What ways can I pay for my ride?What ways can I pay for my ride?

CashTokens

10 Ride Card

30 Day Pass

Coupons (POP,

MeritCare, promos, etc.)

What is the cash fare? What is the cash fare? (Exact change, no Canadian Coin)(Exact change, no Canadian Coin)

Adult $1.00 Senior (age 62 or older) $0.50 Youth (K-12th grade) $0.50 Person with disabilities $0.50 Medicare Card Holder $0.50 Child (birth to preschool) Free MSU-M Students, Faculty & Staff Free Concordia Students, Faculty & Staff Free NDSU & MSCTC Students Free Personal Care Attendant Free

How do I get the discounted How do I get the discounted fare of 50 cents?fare of 50 cents?

Senior citizens & people with disabilities need a MAT “Special User Card” or a Medicare Card to get discounts on fares, tokens, or passes.

No fee is charged to receive a Special User Card. You must show the driver your card each time you board the bus and when you purchase discounted passes and token.

1 page application for seniors

4 page application with medical verification for people with disabilities

Are there different Are there different types of tokens?types of tokens?

There are two types of tokens:– Bronze for adults– Silver for youth, elderly & disabled

Sold in packets of 20 at the GTC and Moorhead City Hall

$20 for adults

$10 for youth, elderly & disabled

What are 30-Day What are 30-Day Passes?Passes? The 30-day Pass provides unlimited rides on

all MAT buses for 30 days. The 30 days start the first day the pass is used

on MAT. The pass is a reloadable Smartcard. Passes are good on all MAT buses Adult cost - $35 Discount cost - $23

(youth, seniors, people w/ disabilities) Sold at GTC, 502 NP Ave, Fargo

How much does How much does a 10-Day Ride a 10-Day Ride Card cost?Card cost?

$10 for adults$5 for elderly, disabled and youthValid on all MAT busesPurchase at: GTC, Moorhead City HallValid for 10 RidesNo expiration date

Do I get a special rate Do I get a special rate as a college student?as a college student?

Colleges pay a fee to MAT for the U-Pass Program

U-Pass provides for unlimited rides on MAT to participating colleges:– NDSU Students– MSUM Students, Faculty & Staff– Concordia Students, Faculty & Staff– MSCTC Students

Current College I.D. required

What rules must I follow What rules must I follow when I ride the bus?when I ride the bus?

Stay seated when the bus is movingLimit yourself to two packagesDon’t block aislesNo eating, drinking, smokingNo playing loud musicRude or violent behavior is not

toleratedDo not distract the driver

If I’m sight impaired, can the If I’m sight impaired, can the driver help me find my stop?driver help me find my stop?

The bus driver can use the public address system to announce specific bus stops if you are sight impaired or unable to recognize your bus stop.

Notify the bus driver when you board – preferably in writing.

What if I use a wheelchair?What if I use a wheelchair?

Drivers can assist people with disabilities on/off the bus

Drivers will fold up seats to expose the wheelchair securement system

Wheelchairs must be secured to the floor while the bus is moving

What if I use a service animal What if I use a service animal or other aid?or other aid? Service animals

are allowed on the bus

Portable respirators and oxygen tanks will be accommodated

How do I tell the bus driver to stop How do I tell the bus driver to stop and drop me off?and drop me off?

Pull the cord above the window; the bus will stop at the next corner.

Stay seated until the bus stops, then exit.

Wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street

How do I transfer between buses?How do I transfer between buses? Ask for a transfer slip on the 1st

bus after paying for your ride

Place the transfer slip in the bill feeder on the 2nd bus

Transfers are only good for that continuous trip

Transfers can only be made at transfer points

Transfers are free between all MAT buses

You don’t need a transfer slip with 30 Day Passes or U-Passes

Where are the transfer points?Where are the transfer points?

The main transfer point is the GTC.There is a transfer hub located at West

Acres in the Roger Maris Wing.South K-Mart on University DriveSouth Moorhead on 11th Street by the

Marriott HotelTarget in Moorhead

What is at the What is at the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)?Ground Transportation Center (GTC)?

The GTC is the main transfer point for Fargo & Moorhead routes at 502 NP Avenue, Fargo

Staff at the Help Desk provides information, sell passes, etc.

Inside are vending machines, restrooms, phones, seating, displays, etc.

Open Monday-Friday from 6am-10:15pmOpen Saturdays from 7am-10:15pm

Buses are timed to meet for transfers at the GTC

GTCGTC

West Acres Transit HubWest Acres Transit Hub

How do I know which bus to take?How do I know which bus to take? Buses are marked on the

front and side with the route number and major stops.

At the GTC, buses park in specific locations, which have signs that give the route number and match the route color on the map

Ask the bus driver if you are unsure.

Can I bring my bike on the bus?Can I bring my bike on the bus?MAT buses are equipped

with front bike racksTwo bikes fit on the rackA permit is required to

use the bike rackPractice loading your bike at the GTC,

sign a waiver of liability, and receive your FREE permit

What are the benefits of riding MAT?What are the benefits of riding MAT?

Saves money – costs less than owning and driving a car

Reduces pollution & traffic congestion Saves natural resources Reduces need for parking lots Less stressful; more pleasant; meet people Convenient and easy to use Provides freedom to go to work, school,

shopping, appointments, entertainment, etc.

Where do I get information Where do I get information about MAT?about MAT?

GTC Helpline (701) 232-7500Web Site www.matbus.comOn buses (literature & driver)Ground Transportation Center (GTC)

502 NP Avenue, FargoMoorhead Center Mall, Shelters,

West Acres Transit Hub, Universities, Social Service providers, Job Service, etc.

Ride with the pros!Ride with the pros!

Metro Area Transit