UPDATE: The proposed Saturday service hours have been updated from an 8:15pm end time to a 10:15pm end time. This Saturday end time would go into effect Monday, August 26, and the rest of the proposed changes will remain with an effective date of July 1.
The Cities of Fargo and Moorhead are considering service changes to operating hours and routes, generally described below, to become effective July 1, 2024. From 2021 to 2024, MATBUS has enacted various temporary reductions in service to provide consistent, and reliable service levels in the face of a long-term driver shortage. In addition, MATBUS has seen a decrease in ridership post COVID-19, dropping from 1.8 million rides in 2019 to 1.2 million rides in 2023. MATBUS is proposing to make a portion of the previously enacted temporary service changes permanent. This service change will allow for MATBUS to provide levels of service based on current ridership demands while addressing long-term driver shortages and a decrease in federal funding due to new allocation formulas applied to the Fargo-Moorhead urbanized area.
Changes to Service Hours: The proposed change would permanently reduce MATBUS fixed route and MAT paratransit service hours to 6:15am-10:15pm, Monday through Friday and 7:15am-8:15pm on Saturdays. Previously, MATBUS would operate 6:15am-11:15pm, Monday through Friday and 7:15am-11:15pm on Saturdays.
Changes to Route 13: The proposed change would reduce Route 13 from 30-minute service to 60-minute service on Saturdays only.
Changes to Route 15: The proposed change would reduce Route 15 from 15-minute service to 30-minute service from 6:15am to 9:45am.
Changes to Route 32W: The proposed change would eliminate Route 32W.
Changes to Route 33: The proposed change would reduce Route 33 from 10-minute service with 7-minute service during peak ridership times to 10-minute service all day.
Changes to Route 36: The proposed change would eliminate Route 36. Currently, Route 13 services the same area as Route 36.
Informational Display: An informational display on the proposed route and service changes, as well as comment cards, will be in the lobby of the Ground Transportation Center from April 22nd through May 8th. Staff will be at the Ground Transportation Center to answer questions on May 6, 2024, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Written comments may be turned into the customer care center window and will be considered by staff prior to the final recommendation to the Fargo City Commission and Moorhead City Council.
Public Hearing Dates – Fargo: Notice is hereby given that public hearings will be held for the purpose of permanent route and service changes:
Fargo City Commission
Monday, May 13, 2024
5:15 p.m.
Fargo City Hall
225 4th Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
At the hearing, interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to be heard with respect to the route reduction. In addition, written comments may be submitted in advance of the public hearing to:
Cole Swingen
Fargo Assistant Transit Director – Operations
502 NP Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 476-5989
For TDD Relay Service call 7-1-1
cswingen@matbus.com
Upon request, accommodations for people with disabilities, language barriers, or other needs to allow participation in meetings will be provided. To arrange assistance, call at least 48 hours before the meeting to give staff adequate time to make arrangements. For the Fargo City Commission call 701-241-1310 or 7-1-1 (TDD/TTY).
Public Hearing Dates – Moorhead: The proposed changes are considered major and will require a public hearing. Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held for the consideration of permanent service hour changes on MATBUS and MAT Paratransit:
Moorhead City Council
Monday, May 13, 2024
5:45 p.m.
Hjemkomst Center
202 1st Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560
At the hearing, interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to be heard with respect to the service hour reduction. In addition, written comments may be submitted in advance of the public hearing to:
Lori Van Beek
Moorhead Transit Manager
650 23rd Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 476-6686
For TDD Relay Service call 7-1-1
Email: lvanbeek@matbus.com
Upon request, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, language barriers, or other needs to allow participation in meetings will be provided. To arrange assistance, call the Moorhead City Clerk’s Office at 218-299-5166 or 7-1-1 (TDD/TTY) at least 48 hours before the meeting to give staff adequate time to make arrangements.