Fares & Passes
MATBUS Connect
On May 4, 2022, MATBUS launched a new fare payment system called MATBUS Connect. It includes the introduction of the Connect Card, Connect App, and Connect Portal. With these features, you can load money to your account from anywhere with an internet connection, pay on the bus using your smart phone, and protect your funds if your card is lost or stolen. MATBUS Connect is account based, which means you can load your card or app with any amount you choose, rather than paying for a monthly pass upfront. Your fare is deducted from your account each time you ride, with daily and monthly payment limits (fare capping).
The mobile app and smart card are both free, and the cost of a ride is the same across all payment types. If you lose your Connect Card, you will be charged a $5.00 replacement fee ($10.00 beginning April 1, 2024), and your account balance will be transferred to the new card.
For more information about this system, visit the MATBUS Connect page, Frequently Asked Questions and Getting Started instructions.
Paying Your Fare
Visit the Customer Care Center window at the GTC to add funds to your account. You will need to create a Pay As You Go account if you have not already done so. The Customer Care Center is open from 6:15 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
Please have your cash, card, or ticket ready before you board. Foreign currency is not accepted.
Drivers do not carry change; however, they will issue a change card. This change card can only be used on MATBUS fareboxes for future rides, and the card will expire one year from the date it was issued. MATBUS is not able to refund the balance of any change card. Any fare card, ticket, or change card that is lost, damaged, or stolen cannot be replaced by MATBUS.
Fare & Pass Prices
All fares are subject to change.
Cash Fares and Passes | |
|---|---|
Adult Cash Fare | $1.50 |
Discount Cash Fare (Elderly, Disabled, Youth) | $0.75 |
1-Day Pass - also available with cash on board the bus | $5.00 |
120-Day College Semester Pass - This pass is currently offered to college students, faculty and staff who are not included in the U-Pass Program. | $60.00 |
31-Day Business Pass - Must be employer purchased. Call the MATBUS Administrative Office for more details at 701.232.7500 (option 3). | $27.00 |
Single-Ride Tickets - Package of 20. Available for agencies only. Call the MATBUS Administrative Office for more details at 701.232.7500 (option 3). | $30.00 |
MATBUS Connect | |
|---|---|
Account-based Pay As You Go system using a smartcard or mobile app. Fares are capped at 1-day and 31-day spending limits. | |
Adult Fare | $1.50 |
Adult 1-Day Fare Cap | $3.00 |
Adult 31-Day Fare Cap | $42.00 |
Discount Fare | $0.75 |
Discount 1-Day Fare Cap | $3.00 |
Discount 31-Day Fare Cap | $27.00 |
Youth 90-Day Fare Cap | $27.00 |
Discount Fare
A discount fare is available to: Elderly (age 60 and older), Persons with Disabilities, Medicare Card Holders and Youth (K-12th grade). People who are elderly or disabled must show a MATBUS Rider ID Card or Medicare Card to receive the discounted fare. The Rider ID Card is available at no charge from MATBUS after an application process is completed for eligibility. MATBUS reserves the right to request identification materials, a Medicare card or student ID for discount verification.
The application form MATBUS Discount Fare for Persons With Disabilities is available below. After it is completed, it can be mailed or faxed to MATBUS for review.
Discount Fare Application
| File | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2.16 MB |
Fare-Free
Certain passengers may ride MATBUS fixed route buses for free if they meet the requirements below.
- Children preschool aged and younger (with an adult)
- Service-Connected Veterans - Disabled veterans can ride fixed route buses free with their service-connected VA identification card. Must present card at time of ride.
- Personal Care Attendants - Designated personal care attendants can ride fixed route for free if they ride with Rider ID card holders whose disability requires someone to accompany them.
- U-Pass College Students - Students from U-Pass schools can ride fixed route free with their student ID. Eligible schools include NDSU, MSUM, Concordia, M State Moorhead, and NDSCS Fargo.