Notice of Public Hearing
Cash Bus Fare Increase
Route and Service Changes
The City of Fargo is seeking the following permanent changes, effective January 1, 2026. These proposed changes are due to the ongoing rise in operational costs and the stagnation of both State and Federal revenue streams that support the City’s transit services.
--- Cash Bus Fare Increase ---
This proposed change will permanently increase the price of fixed route and paratransit cash bus fares, as well as add a 7-day pass option for passengers. This proposal does not include increasing any bus pass prices.
City of Fargo Transit cash bus fares have not been adjusted since 2009.
The proposed changes to fare structure are as follows:
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Adult Cash Fare - from the current $1.50 to the proposed $2.00
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Discount Cash Fare (Youth, Elderly, Disabled) - from the current $0.75 to the proposed $1.00
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7-Day Pass - a new fare type sold for $10.00
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MATBUS Connect Adult Fare - from the current $1.50 to the proposed $2.00
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MATBUS Connect Discount Fare - from the current $0.75 to the proposed $1.00
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MATBUS Connect 1-Day Pass - a new fare type sold for $5.00
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MATBUS Connect 7-Day Pass - a new fare type sold for $10.00
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MAT Paratransit Cash/Check Fare - from the current $3.00 to the proposed $4.00
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MAT Paratransit Prepaid Coupon Books (20 rides) - from the current $60.00 to the proposed $80.00
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MAT Paratransit Guest Fare - from the current $3.00 to the proposed $4.00
View the full fare structure, included current and proposed prices: Proposed Fare Structure 2026
--- Route and Service Changes ---
This proposed change will permanently eliminate the following routes and services as described below. Transit Department staff have done extensive research to ensure that the proposed changes affect the smallest number of citizens possible.
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Route 13
The proposed change would reduce the frequency of Route 13. Route 13 would only depart the Ground Transportation Center at :15 after the hour. Currently Route 13 departs at :15 and :45 after the hour from 6:15am to 5:45pm Monday through Friday. -
Route 14
The proposed change would reduce the frequency of Route 14. Route 14 would only depart the Ground Transportation Center at :45 after the hour. Currently Route 14 departs at :15 and :45 after the hour from 6:15am to 5:45pm. -
Route 15
The proposed change would increase Route 15 from a 60-minute route to a 90-minute route to improve on-time performance. A pilot program of this change was introduced in May of 2025 to determine the effectiveness of this change. -
Route 16
The proposed change would eliminate Route 16. -
Route 18
The proposed change would reduce Route 18 from a 90-minute route to a 60-minute route. Route 18 would end at the Essentia Health clinic on 32nd Ave S, and would no longer service any areas south of 32nd Ave S. The northern portion of the route would also be adjusted to service the Cass County Jail and surrounding areas. -
Route 20
The proposed change would reduce Route 20 from a 60-minute route to a 30-minute route. Route 20 would only travel as far east as 42nd St S. This would eliminate service to the Cass County Jail and surrounding areas. -
West Acres Transit Hub
The proposed change is to no longer utilize the West Acres Transit Hub as a transfer point for MATBUS routes. Instead, transfers would be made at the Walmart bus shelter, located at the intersection of 47th St S and 11th Ave S. This change would affect Route 14, Route 15, Route 20 and Route 24 (as well as Route 16 if it is not eliminated). -
Industrial Park On-Demand Service
The proposed change would eliminate the Industrial Park On-Demand Service. -
MAT Paratransit Service
The proposed change would eliminate Sunday Paratransit services. Currently, MAT Paratransit operates from 7:00am to 5:00pm on Sundays.
--- Informational Display ---
An informational display on the proposed changes to fares, routes and services, as well as comment cards, will be in the lobby of the Ground Transportation Center from August 18 – August 27 2025. Staff will be at the Ground Transportation Center to answer questions on August 25, 2025, 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.
--- Public Hearing ---
Notice is hereby given that public hearings will be held for the purpose of permanent fare, route and service changes. There will be two separate hearings on the same date, held in the order determined by the Fargo City Commission agenda - one for the fare changes and one for the route/service changes.
Fargo City Commission
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
5:05 p.m.
Fargo City Hall
225 4th Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
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).
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:
Julie Bommelman
City of Fargo Transit Director
650 23rd St N
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 232-7500 Option 3
For TDD Relay Service call 7-1-1
transit@matbus.com
Online Public Comment Map
View the Online Public Comment Map in order to leave comments on specific portions of the map. On mobile devices, select the white "Comment" bubble in the upper left corner of the screen. On desktops, select the blue text bubble box in the upper right corner to get started.