1. Public Transportation in Fargo-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 as I 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-12 th grade)$0.50 Person with disabilities$0.50 Medicare Card Holder$0.50 Child (birth to preschool)Free MSU-M Students, Faculty & StaffFree Concordia Students, Faculty & StaffFree NDSU & MSCTC StudentsFree Personal Care AttendantFree

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 1 st 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 11 th 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.comwww.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