MATBUS is the public
transit system serving Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and Dilworth. This system
is operated by the cities of Fargo and Moorhead who work together to ensure
comprehensive service between the cities. We welcome you as a rider.
MATBUS Facilities
The GTC (Ground
Transportation Center), located at 502 NP Ave. in Fargo, is open 6am to 10:15pm
Monday through Friday, and 7am to 10:15pm on Saturday. For Information, call the
MAT
Helpline at 701-232-7500.
The customer service representative can assist you in
finding a route or routes that will get you where you need to go.
Please avoid calling at :15 or :45 after each hour; these are the times that the buses are released from the GTC and our staff is especially busy.
The West Acres Transit
Hub (located on the Roger Maris Wing of West Acres) is our newest indoor
facility. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday,
it features a comfortable
waiting area, schedule/map info and an info line that connects directly to our
downtown dispatchers for route information.
Bus shelters are available along each route (as noted on the map/schedule) with route information displayed in each. Also, please take advantage of the benches along the routes as you wait for your bus.
Accessibility and Policy of Non-Discrimination
All of Moorhead MAT's buses are accessible with ramps and
securements to accommodate people with disabilities in wheelchairs or those
who cannot negotiate stairs. Buses have public address systems which the
drivers will use to announce specific bus stops “on request” for passengers
who are sight impaired.
The City of Moorhead does not discriminate against an individual on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or familial status and assures equal opportunity for all persons in the provision of public transportation services.
MAT Advisory Committee: a group that offers input to help improve MAT's services
MAT Facts
What is MAT? Metropolitan Area Transit, or MAT, refers to the combined public transportation systems of Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN.
History of Public Transportation in Fargo-Moorhead: F-M public transportation began in the 1870’s with horse drawn coaches. From 1904 to 1937, electric trolley cars served the cities. Bus services began in 1926. As automobiles became more common, public transportation became less profitable. In 1971, tax dollars began to subsidize transit.
Origin of MAT: In 1974, the Fargo-Moorhead Council of Governments began management of Fargo and Moorhead’s public transit. This was the origin of MAT. Fargo and Moorhead later took control of their own transit systems, but their cooperation and coordination under the MAT umbrella still continues today.
Ground Transportation Center (GTC): Prior to 1984, MAT did not have a facility to use as a primary transfer point. The GTC opened in 1984, and is the primary transfer point for MAT routes, dispatch center, etc. The GTC offers a climate controlled environment, seating, restrooms, vending, and other amenities. In 2003, a major renovation of the GTC was completed. In 1985, the GTC won a prestigious Design Award from the American Institute of Architects. It was awarded for “function and strength” and “beautification of the entire community.”
West Acres Transit Hub: West Acres has long been a primary destination for MAT riders and an important transfer center. In 2003, a permanent transit facility was constructed at West Acres, featuring a climate controlled lobby, a landscaped plaza, information displays, literature racks, etc.
Number of MAT Buses: Moorhead and Fargo maintain separate fixed route bus fleets. Fargo’s fixed route fleet consists of 19 buses--10 large and 9 medium buses. Moorhead has 10 buses in its fixed route fleet--3 large and 8 medium. Fargo and Moorhead have a combined paratransit fleet of 12 vehicles. So the total number of vehicles in the combined MAT fleet is 41!
Fixed Route Miles Driven in 2007:
Fargo Fixed Route – 581,127
Moorhead Fixed Route – 316,749
Paratransit: 311,187
Drivers: Drivers are well trained professionals who must complete
classroom and behind the wheel training. Fargo-Moorhead contract with First
Transit to provide approximately 60 full and part-time drivers, 1 full-time
Project Manager and 1 1/2 Supervisors/Trainers
Other MAT Positions: MAT has three full-time dispatchers to monitor operations, communicate with drivers, sell passes, provide customer service, etc. MAT has five full-time mechanics who maintain the fleets in excellent condition. MAT has four cleaners that scrub the buses from top to bottom every night. MAT also has eight administrative staff who manage the system, plan routes, conduct marketing, ensure federal and state regulations are met, etc.
Ridership for 2007:
Fargo Fixed Route - 962,030
Moorhead Fixed Route - 356,732
Paratransit - 55,133