Matbus riders may soon see significant changes to services

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The City of Fargo is proposing an increase in bus fares and changes in service for MATBUS riders.

The changes, which could take effect January 1, are due to an increase in operational costs and reduced revenues from both the State and Federal levels.

Riders have not seen a change to bus fares since 2009. Currently, adult riders pay $1.50 whether through cash or the MATBUS Connect App. The proposed fare increase would be $2.00. Discounted fares for young children, the disabled, and the elderly would rise from the current $0.75 to $1.00.

In addition to raising the bus fares, a 1-Day pass for $5.00 and a 7-Day pass for $10.00 would be added.

One of the biggest changes would be to remove the West Acres Transit Hub as a transfer point for MATBUS routes. Riders could make their transfers at the Walmart bus shelter. The change would affect routes 14, 15, 20, and 24.

The MAT Paratransit Service would no longer run on Sundays. The number of stops along some routes would be decreased, while others could be increased.

City of Fargo Transit Director shared “all departments within the City have been tasked with stabilizing their budgets to assist in the overall goal of meeting a balanced budget; we are also attempting to eliminate duplicate and underutilized fixed route services in areas of Fargo.”

Riders of MATBUS are encouraged to share their concerns with at the Ground Transportation Center until August 27th.