Public Transportation in Fargo-Moorhead

1. Public Transportation inFargo-Moorhead • Is operated by the Cities of Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN • Metro Area Transit (MAT) is the name of the public transportation system in Fargo-Moorhead

2. What kind of bus service is there? • Metro Area Transit (MAT) – the fixed route bus system • MAT Paratransit – Service to the door for people with disabilities who are unable to independently use MAT

3. What cities do MAT buses travel to? • Fargo, ND • West Fargo, ND • Moorhead, MN • Transfers are available to Clay County Rural Transit, which serves Dilworth, MN

4. How many MAT bus routes are there? • 11 Fargo Routes (6 night routes) • 6 Moorhead Routes (2 night routes) • 1 West Fargo Route • 2 NDSU Campus Circulator Routes

5. When does MAT operate? • Monday through Friday 6:15 am to 6:45 pm • Saturdays 7:15 am to 6:45 pm • Night routes run until 10:15 pm

6. Who can ride MAT? • MAT is open to the general public • Anyone capable of using the system can ride (getting to the bus stop, boarding the bus, recognizing their destination, etc.) • All MAT buses are wheelchair accessible (ramp or lift)

7. Where do the MAT buses travel? • Most major destinations are served, including malls, schools, campuses, medical facilities, social services, etc. • Usually routes travel on major streets. • Bus schedules show maps of each City with number and color coded routes.

8. How do I read the Bus Schedule Map? Routes are shown on the streets they travel. Each route is numbered and color-coded.

9. Arrows show the direction the bus is traveling. • Passengers are picked up on the right-hand side of the street.

10. How do I read the timetables? • Major stops are shown as column headings • Read the rows from left to right • Your destination may be somewhere between columns, adjust your pick up time to the earlier column • Transfer points are shown with T

11. When should I be at my bus stop? • Be waiting at the bus stop 5 minutes early • Set your watch to GTC time

12. Do the timetables change in the summer? • Times when the Moorhead buses don’t run in the summer are highlighted on the schedule • Moorhead Routes 1, 3, 4 and 5 change to hourly service mid-day in the summer, with 30 minute service during peak hours • Fargo Routes 13B and NDSU Circulator Routes 31 & 32 do not run in the summer

13. Do the timetables change on Saturdays? • For Moorhead routes, there is a separate timetable for Saturdays, and buses travel on an hourly schedule • For Fargo routes, buses don’t run during the times that are highlighted

14. Where do I wait for the bus? • You must be at a corner or shelter • Many bus stops are signed • If there are no corners, wait in a driveway (example: cul de sac) • On Moorhead Routes 1 and 2, you MUST be at a Bus Stop Sign

15. How do I signal the bus to stop and pick me up? • Wave to the bus as it approaches • If at a shelter, step outside and wave • Wheelchair users stay back 5’ to allow room for the ramp.

16. What should I do asI board the bus? • Wait for others to exit first. • Enter and pay your fare (ask for a transfer slip if needed) • Front seats are reserved for elderly & disabled if needed • Accessible ramps/lifts are on all buses • The MAT driver can kneel (lower) the bus upon request

17. What ways can I pay for my ride? • Cash • Tokens • 10 Ride Card • 30 Day Pass • Coupons (POP, MeritCare, promos, etc.)

18. What is the cash fare? (Exact change, no Canadian Coin) • Adult $1.00 • Senior (age 62 or older) $0.50 • Youth (K-12th grade) $0.50 • Person with disabilities $0.50 • Medicare Card Holder $0.50 • Child (birth to preschool) Free • MSU-M Students, Faculty & Staff Free • Concordia Students, Faculty & Staff Free • NDSU & MSCTC Students Free • Personal Care Attendant Free

19. How do I get the discounted fare of 50 cents? • Senior citizens & people with disabilities need a MAT “Special User Card” or a Medicare Card to get discounts on fares, tokens, or passes. • No fee is charged to receive a Special User Card. You must show the driver your card each time you board the bus and when you purchase discounted passes and token. • 1 page application for seniors • 4 page application with medical verification for people with disabilities

20. Are there different types of tokens? • There are two types of tokens: • Bronze for adults • Silver for youth, elderly & disabled • Sold in packets of 20 at the GTC and Moorhead City Hall • $20 for adults • $10 for youth, elderly & disabled

21. What are 30-Day Passes? • The 30-day Pass provides unlimited rides on all MAT buses for 30 days. • The 30 days start the first day the pass is used on MAT. The pass is a reloadable Smartcard. • Passes are good on all MAT buses • Adult cost - $35 • Discount cost - $23 (youth, seniors, people w/ disabilities) • Sold at GTC, 502 NP Ave, Fargo

22. How much does a 10-Day Ride Card cost? • $10 for adults • $5 for elderly, disabled and youth • Valid on all MAT buses • Purchase at: GTC, Moorhead City Hall • Valid for 10 Rides • No expiration date

23. Do I get a special rate as a college student? • Colleges pay a fee to MAT for the U-Pass Program • U-Pass provides for unlimited rides on MAT to participating colleges: • NDSU Students • MSUM Students, Faculty & Staff • Concordia Students, Faculty & Staff • MSCTC Students • Current College I.D. required

24. What rules must I follow when I ride the bus? • Stay seated when the bus is moving • Limit yourself to two packages • Don’t block aisles • No eating, drinking, smoking • No playing loud music • Rude or violent behavior is not tolerated • Do not distract the driver

25. If I’m sight impaired, can the driver help me find my stop? • The bus driver can use the public address system to announce specific bus stops if you are sight impaired or unable to recognize your bus stop. • Notify the bus driver when you board – preferably in writing.

26. What if I use a wheelchair? • Drivers can assist people with disabilities on/off the bus • Drivers will fold up seats to expose the wheelchair securement system • Wheelchairs must be secured to the floor while the bus is moving

27. What if I use a service animal or other aid? • Service animals are allowed on the bus • Portable respirators and oxygen tanks will be accommodated

28. How do I tell the bus driver to stop and drop me off? • Pull the cord above the window; the bus will stop at the next corner. • Stay seated until the bus stops, then exit. • Wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street

29. How do I transfer between buses? • Ask for a transfer slip on the 1st bus after paying for your ride • Place the transfer slip in the bill feeder on the 2nd bus • Transfers are only good for that continuous trip • Transfers can only be made at transfer points • Transfers are free between all MAT buses • You don’t need a transfer slip with 30 Day Passes or U-Passes

30. Where are the transfer points? • The main transfer point is the GTC. • There is a transfer hub located at West Acres in the Roger Maris Wing. • South K-Mart on University Drive • South Moorhead on 11th Street by the Marriott Hotel • Target in Moorhead

31. What is at the Ground Transportation Center (GTC)? • The GTC is the main transfer point for Fargo & Moorhead routes at 502 NP Avenue, Fargo • Staff at the Help Desk provides information, sell passes, etc. • Inside are vending machines, restrooms, phones, seating, displays, etc. • Open Monday-Friday from 6am-10:15pm Open Saturdays from 7am-10:15pm • Buses are timed to meet for transfers at the GTC

32. GTC

33. West Acres Transit Hub

34. How do I know which bus to take? • Buses are marked on the front and side with the route number and major stops. • At the GTC, buses park in specific locations, which have signs that give the route number and match the route color on the map • Ask the bus driver if you are unsure.

35. Can I bring my bike on the bus? • MAT buses are equipped with front bike racks • Two bikes fit on the rack • A permit is required to use the bike rack • Practice loading your bike at the GTC, sign a waiver of liability, and receive your FREE permit

36. What are the benefits of riding MAT? • Saves money – costs less than owning and driving a car • Reduces pollution & traffic congestion • Saves natural resources • Reduces need for parking lots • Less stressful; more pleasant; meet people • Convenient and easy to use • Provides freedom to go to work, school, shopping, appointments, entertainment, etc.

37. Where do I get information about MAT? • GTC Helpline (701) 232-7500 • Web Site www.matbus.com • On buses (literature & driver) • Ground Transportation Center (GTC) 502 NP Avenue, Fargo • Moorhead Center Mall, Shelters, West Acres Transit Hub, Universities, Social Service providers, Job Service, etc.

38. Ride with the pros! Metro Area Transit