People protest MATBUS route changes at Fargo City Hall

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A number of people showed up at tonight’s Fargo City Commission meeting to speak out against route changes proposed by MATBUS.

Of particular concern is the realignment of Route 24.

It would do away with West Acres Transit Hub and instead utilize the 13th Avenue South Walmart bus shelter.

Nearly 22,000 people ride that route each year.

MATBUS operators say it comes down to money: the annual cost to lease and provide security at the West Acres hub is around $175,000.

City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn also wanted everyone to know that the mall doesn’t want the hub.

:”It’s not that we wanted to leave there they actually want us to leave and so it’s unfortunate but this was not our choice, this is West Acres telling us to get out so I just want people to be aware of that,” Piepkorn told the crowd.

“With us needing to provide full-time security and then the leasing costs it does add up,” said Fargo Transit Director Julie Bommelman.

MATBUS is also proposing increasing single-ride fares to $2 from $1.50 for adults and $1 for youth/elderly/disabled from seventy-five cents starting January 1.

They are still taking public comments before changes are approved or rejected.